§ Mr. Skeetasked the Minister of Power whether he will now state the results of his examination of the general problem of underground storage of gas and the procedures which should be followed.
§ Mr. WoodThe first stage of the examination has now been completed. The Government have reached the conclusion that in certain circumstances the storage of gas in natural rock reservoirs would be safe and practicable, that it would assist the economic use of plant and that we should provide the opportunity for its development here. The Government have decided that this should be done by public legislation, which would provide a framework of control for this form of storage. I am now about to consult outside interests on the form this legislation should take.