§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he proposes to link the United Kingdom gas network with the European grid; and whether he will seek to create a national strategic stockpile of the natural product.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithA link between the British and European gas grids to provide additional security against supply interruptions is considered unnecessary given the flexibility in present supply arrangements to the British market. Justification in commercial terms would therefore be the first test in considering whether a link should be approved. I am not aware of any firm proposals in this respect. The cost of creating an additional strategic stockpile would not be justified.