§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy, on the assumption that the availability of natural gas is in part dependent on the offtake of crude oil derived from North Sea oilfields, what is the Government's policy on the use of surplus natural gas supplies vis-à-vis rival fuels, such as coal and electricity which is predominantly dependent on the coal mining industry.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonAssociated gas is not surplus, but a welcome addition to the nation's energy supplies and if not used would have to be flared.