§ 42. Mr. John Huntasked the Secretary of State for Energy what assessment he has made of the longer-term loss of revenue to the British Gas Corporation as a result of the Government's requirement that it should cease retailing domestic gas appliances and dispose of its showrooms; and whether he will estimate the likely impact of this policy on domestic gas prices in the next five years.
§ Mr. Norman LamontIn announcing the Government's decision, my right hon. Friend the Minister for Consumer Affairs made it clear that the Government would consult the British Gas Corporation about its detailed implementation. It would not be possible to estimate the precise effect on the corporation's finances until this process has been completed. But it is not expected it will have a significant effect on domestic gas prices during the period of the current financial target.