§ Mr. D. GRAHAMasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Area Gas Supply Committee appointed by the Government in January, 1929, to inquire into the possibility of developing a system of gas mains on similar lines to those in certain continental countries have carried out the recommendation of the National Fuel and Power Committee respecting the area mentioned in the annual report of the Mines Department for 1929 and, if so, with what result; and whether the Department propose to extend the inquiry into other mining areas?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMThe Area Gas Supply Committee reported on 31st March, 1930, that conditions were not favourable then for a gas network in the whole of the area in question, but that there was economic justification for a network in South Yorkshire if designed on certain assumptions. Two Private Bills (the South Yorkshire Gas Network Bill and the Sheffield Gas Bill) are now before Parliament seeking power to establish such a network. No further investigation is at present contemplated.