§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he proposes that the private sector should be permitted to set up liquid natural gas facilities in the United Kingdom and dispose of the products derived from the plant.
§ Mr. John MooreI refer my hon. Friend to the provisions in clause 12 of the Oil and Gas (Enterprise) Bill now before the House. Under the Secretary of State's proposals, the supply through pipes of gas derived from liquid natural gas will be subject to the same arrangements as gas derived from any other source. Schedule 3 to the Bill, however, retains the requirement in the Energy Act 1976 that the Secretary of State's consent be obtained for the liquefaction of offshore natural gas to produce liquid methane or ethane. The setting up of facilities for handling liquid natural gas will continue to be subject to the normal planning procedures.