HC Deb 01 April 1980 vol 982 c119W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will reshape the gas distribution monopoly by making available to industrial consortia in selected areas of the United Kingdom a limited number of undeveloped gas fields in the North Sea to be linked by independently-operated trunk and distribution systems.

Mr. Gray

The possible supply to any such consortium of gas from an undeveloped gas field would be a matter for discussion between it and the holders of the relevant production licence. The Secretary of State's consent would be needed under the Energy Act to the supply.