HC Deb 11 February 1980 vol 978 cc419-20W
13. Mr. Geoffrey Johnson Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will seek to remove British Gas's monopoly purchase of the gas supply, following his recent announcement on targets for the gas industry.

Mr. David Howell

I have no plans at present to amend the British Gas Corporation's statutory position in relation to the purchase of gas.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what profit the British Gas Corporation is expected to make in the coming year.

Mr. David Howell

The precise level of forecast profits is a matter for the British Gas Corporation but on the basis of the recently announced financial target I would expect profits in the coming financial year to be of the order of £600 million before tax.

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