§ 11. Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for Energy what recent representations he has received regarding his proposals to privatise the British Gas Corporation.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI have received a number of representations from various organisations and individuals. I have also met the chairman of the National Gas Consumers Council and will be meeting representatives of unions.
§ Mr. PikeDoes the Secretary of State admit that the move towards privatisation of the British Gas Corporation arises out of political dogma and to help raise money that 627 the Government need? Does he accept that the best interests of consumers and of safety will be served by leaving the corporation in public hands?
§ Mr. Peter WalkerNo. The move to privatise the British Gas Corporation will be good for consumers, employees and the country.
§ Mr. PortilloHas my right hon. Friend received any representations from the gas producers? Is he afraid that the monopoly position of British Gas might discourage exploration in the North sea, to the detriment of jobs in Britain?
§ Mr. WalkerI have received no such representations, but I can assure my hon. Friend that British Gas and the Government have a vested interest in encouraging the maximum development of the North sea. I can assure my hon. Friend that that will take place.
§ Mr. WrigglesworthIs the Secretary of State aware that the country will not be able to judge whether the move will benefit anyone until we have seen the details of the proposals? Will the right hon. Gentleman publish the details long before legislation is brought before the House? In particular, will he tell the House on what principles gas prices will be fixed?
§ Mr. WalkerOf course we shall publish proposals in advance of legislation. Knowing the terrific mental application of the Social Democrats, I am sure that they will have no difficulty in formulating their view long before legislation is introduced.
Mr. Andy StewartIs it because of what my right hon. Friend has said that British Gas has taken space in the country's Left-wing magazines' colour supplements in the last fortnight?
§ Mr. WalkerI do not know whether one would describe The Economist and the Spectator as Left-wing magazines, but since British Gas advertise in them, too, a tolerable balance has been achieved.
§ Mr. OrmeWill not the proposals be good for Rothschild's as well? In view of the role that it played in Britoil and Amersham International, is this not another disgraceful appointment by the Government?
§ Mr. WalkerRothschild's had its association with Waterloo, and perhaps the right hon. Gentleman's remarks will go the same way.