§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what is his estimate of the impact of the substantial inflow of associated and non-associated natural gas into the United Kingdom in the 'eighties following the construction of phased sections of an integrated natural gas pipeline network upon the balance of the energy market, particularly coal and electricity;
(2) whether, in studying the advisability of building a natural gas pipeline network in the North Sea, he has ascertained whether the gas coming ashore in the 'eighties is likely to exceed the capacity of the domestic market; and what proposals he envisages for disposal of the surplus;
(3) whether, in studying the advisability of building a natural gas liquids pipeline network in the North Sea, he has ascertained whether the hydrocarbons flowing ashore in the 'eighties will exceed the capacity of the domestic petrochemical industry; and how he proposes to dispose of the surplus.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonGas Gathering Pipelines (North Sea) Ltd. has been instructed to examine the prospects of collecting gas including natural gas liquids by pipeline from the British sector of the northern North Sea. Until I have received its two reports, the second of which is due at the end of March 1978, I cannot estimate whether a new natural gas pipeline network in the North Sea is likely to be built or how much gas it may bring ashore and when.