§ 22. Mr. Derek Pageasked the Minister of Power what studies he is sponsoring into the potential use of North Sea gas other than for town gas supply.
§ Mr. MarshThe studies being undertaken on the absorption of North Sea gas include supply to domestic, commercial and industrial consumers, burning of natural gas in electricity power stations and use as a chemical feedstock.
39. Earl of Dalkeithasked the Minister of Power what is his most recent estimate of the amount of capital invested by public and private enterprise industry, respectively, in North Sea gas exploration and production.
§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Power if he will specify the technical and economic problems involved in using North Sea gas; what scientific and other workers are employed in attempting to solve those problems; where they are working; what success they have achieved; and how their achievements will benefit the trade, industry, commerce and home life of the people of North-East Scotland.
§ Dr. BrayThe aim is to use the gas in the way most beneficial to the whole country. Work on technical aspects is being undertaken primarily by the gas industry. The wider economic aspects are being studied by my Department together with other Departments and with the gas and other industries as part of the general review of fuel policy which my right hon. Friend has put in hand. It is not possible to say how consumers in North-East Scotland in particular may be affected.