§ 17. Mr. David Watkinsasked the Minister of Power what consultations he has had with the Gas Council, in the light of paragraphs 57 to 60 of the National Board for Prices and Incomes Report No. 102, to ensure that the bulk supply tariff for natural gas does not rise sharply in two or three years; and if he will—make a statement.
§ Mr. MasonThe Gas Council has assured me that the bulk supply tariff is already based on a longer-term estimate of costs and that there is no reason to expect an increase of the kind postulated by the N.B.P.I.
§ 18. Mr. David Watkinsasked the Minister of Power what study has been made of the possibility of supplying natural gas to industry on an interruptible basis; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreesonThe first three such sales have already been negotiated, and several others are close to completion. Interruptible supplies can help to meet the natural gas demand peaks associated with severe winter temperatures.