HC Deb 08 February 1995 vol 254 cc313-4W
34. Mr. David Nicholson

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what progress he is making with his plans to introduce competition in the supply of gas.

Mr. Heseltine

I expect shortly to bring forward a Bill to introduce further competition in the supply of gas. On 24 January I issued a consultation document with the Director General of Gas Supply, inviting views on the choice of areas for the initial phase of competition which would be introduced from 1996–98, subject to parliamentary approval of the Bill. A copy of this consultation document has been sent to all right hon. and hon. Members.