§ Mr. Eadieasked the Secretary of State for Employment what advice his Department has received on the likely contraction of labour involved on the conversion to the natural gas programme; and in what areas the contraction will take place.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkThe programmes of the area gas boards for conversion to natural gas are being carried out mainly by private contractors who employ about 8,000 men on the work. The programmes have now reached the half-way stage and it is expected that 90 per cent. will be completed during 1975 and the remainder about two years later. The rundown of the labour force, which will take place over a period, will be in all areas.