§ Mr. Lubbockasked the Minister of Power what estimate he has made of the quantities of natural gas to be purchased by the Gas Council, from what sources, and at what prices where these are known, during the years 1968–69 and 1969–70, respectively.
§ Mr. MarshThe Gas Council's plans are based on using about 400 million cubic feet a day and 900 m.c.f.d. respectively in these years. These amounts include 100 m.c.f.d. from B.P.'s West Sole field at 5d. a therm and 100 m.c.f 1. of liquefied natural gas from Algeria at 7½d. a therm landed at the Canvey Island terminal. Over the period supplies from the West Sole field are expected to build up to at least 150 m.c.f.d. but the price for quantities in excess of 100 m.c.f.d. has not yet been agreed. It is hoped that deliveries from the Leman Bank field will begin this summer but the terms have yet to be settled. Under the contract with the Phillips Group deliveries from the Hewett field will start in October, 1969—or earlier if possible—and the basic price at 60 per cent. load factor will be 2.87d. a therm.