§ 19. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Power what plans have been prepared for the construction of large liquid gas tankers for ferrying natural methane gas from America; what experiments have been made in importing this natural gas; if he is satisfied that adequate protection is being made for the men engaged in this operation; and what effect the importation of this gas will have upon United Kingdom natural resources.
§ Mr. WoodUntil the Gas Council has completed the trial shipments which started last February, it cannot put forward plans for imports on a commercial scale. The effect of such imports on indigenous resources cannot yet be assessed. Transport and storage arrangements for the trials have been approved by the authorities concerned with safety.