§ Mr. Eggarasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will take steps to break the link between the price of gas supply contracts and the level of heavy fuel oil duty.
§ Mr. GrayAny decision to renegotiate gas supply contracts is a matter for the parties to the contracts.
§ Mr. Eggarasked the Secretary of State for Energy which gas supply contracts link the price of gas to the British Gas Corporation to the level of fuel oil duty; which body was responsible for negotiating these contracts; and whether the contracts were specifically reviewed and approved by his Department.
§ Mr. GrayDetails of individual gas supply contracts are commercially confidential. Contracts for sale of gas to the British Gas Corporation were negotiated between it—or its predecessors—and the producers. My Department has not reviewed and approved contracts.