§ Mr. Derek Pageasked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what study he has undertaken of the effects of recent developments in industrial applications of North Sea gas on regional policy, and in particular the possible advantages of such developments to grey areas of East Anglia.
§ Mr. ShoreI have undertaken no such study. As the East Anglia Planning Council has pointed out, there is no evidence yet that North Sea Gas will provide that region with a material advantage over other regions. The benefits will be spread over the country as a whole. However, developments in industrial applications of North Sea gas are kept closely under review by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Power and the Gas Council.