§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether, before he reached his decision to require the British Gas Corporation to divest itself of its retailing activities, any survey was made, either nationally or for any area, of the alternative provision of local retailing facilities for gas appliances and other services; if he will conduct such a survey in the North Thames Gas area having particular regard to the area covered by the high street, Harlesden and the high street, Wembley showrooms; and if he will review his decision in respect of any areas where it can be shown that inadequate alternatives exist.
§ Mrs. Sally OppenheimWithout making individual street surveys the Government took account both of the alternative facilities for gas appliance retailing that already exist and of the interest expressed by private sector retailers in starting or expanding sales of gas appliances.