§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what is the present coal equivalent that North Sea gas provides in Scotland; and what is the projected figure for each year until 1980;
(2) what forecast has been made of the coal equivalent that North Sea gas will provide in 1980; and what is the forecast for each year from 1973.
§ Mr. RidleyI decline to speculate on the amount of North Sea gas that will be available for use either in Scotland or elsewhere year by year up to 1980. The Gas Council has given some forecasts in its brochure "Natural Gas on Target", and the latest annual report of the Scottish Gas Board shows that from June, 1970, when natural gas first arrived in Scotland. to 31st March, 1971, 107 million therms (less than 0.5 m.t.c.e. of natural gas were received.