§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will indicate the amount of gas entering transmission lines and (a) the amount remitted to storage, (b) the amount consumed and (c) the amount lost through leaks in the transmission system or unaccounted for;
(2) when the first gas transmission line was laid in the United Kingdom; what proportion of the network is (a) over 100 years and (b) over 50 years old; and what 434W is the sum set aside annually for replacement of the existing system;
(3) what part of the gas network is covered by polyvinylchloride or polypropylene pipes;
(4) what is the prime cause of loss of gas (a) the age of the system, (b) chemicals in the soil, (c) subsidence or (d) third party intervention;
(5) what is the total mileage of gas pipes in the system and the average length of replacement per annum;
(6) asked whether there is street mapping of gas pipes; and for how long it has been in operation.
§ Mr.Norman LamontThese are matters for the British Gas Corporation and I shall ask the chairman to write to my hon. Friend.