HC Deb 27 February 1978 vol 945 cc62-3W
Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he intends to adhere to his proposed timetable for implementing the scheme for the fuel consumption testing of cars and if he is satisfied that the public is sufficiently aware of the detailed proposals.

Dr. John Cunningham

Yes, the scheme will start on 1st April, as planned. I have already made arrangements to meet representatives of the Press on 28th February and for a full publicity campaign including advertising in both trade and national Press to launch the scheme.

Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his Department's forecast of the rate of natural gas consumption by the end of 1978 if its price remains unchanged when other fuel prices increase as anticipated; and what actual and relative growth in the market share of natural gas is forecast.

Dr. John Cunningham

Total consumption of natural gas in 1978 is, on current forecasts, expected to be some 16,000 million therms. We consider that the effect on demand during 1978 of the price changes envisaged in the question is likely to be too small to be identifiable. Present forecasts suggest that natural gas consumption will grow at approximately 8½ per cent. per annum over the period 1977–1978 with the gas share in total final energy consumption rising from 22½, per cent. in 1977 to about 24 per cent. in 1978.

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