§ Mr. Mawbyasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the increased 742W negative cash limits for the British Gas Corporation for 1979–80 as part of the Budget measures will result in higher gas prices.
§ Mr. David HowellIn setting the British Gas Corporation a revised cash limit of minus £449 million for 1979–80 the Government requested it to resort to price increases only where this was essential and in particular to postpone any further increase in the price of domestic gas to beyond this year. The British Gas Corporation has informed me that it aims to meet the revised cash limits for this year largely through measures other than further price increases, although an increase in non-domestic gas prices will be needed.