§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what consultations she has had with representatives of the gas industry about future strategies for energy supply. [24320]
§ Mr. Battle[holding answer 21 January 1998]: The gas industry comprises a heterogeneous range of companies—over 60 gas suppliers (many of whom are in other energy businesses such as electricity or upstream oil and gas activities), the transmission network, and manufacturers and suppliers of gas equipment of all kinds. I and my officials meet, from time to time, a range of companies with gas interests, and various issues are discussed, including long-term energy supply.