§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the effect of the implementation of the Gas Bill on (i) the number of gas showrooms and (ii) employment in the industry in Wales.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe provisions of the Gas Bill do not directly affect the number of gas showrooms or employment in the industry in Wales. These will, as now, be matters for the commercial judgment of management.
§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many people are at pesent employed by Nwy Cymru/Wales Gas; and what were the corresponding figures for each year since 1979.
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§ Mr. Nicholas Edwards4,230 people were employed by Nwy Prydain (Cymru) British Gas (Wales) at 31 March 1986; the corresponding figures since 1979 were as follows:—
Number 1979 4,647 1980 4,828 1981 4,990 1982 4,974 1983 4,797 1984 4,649 1985 4,342