§ Mr. David Howellasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) whether it is his policy to plan for a smaller, larger or unchanged market for natural gas in the United Kingdom between 1984 and 1985; and what the implications of his policy are for the future price of gas and the pattern and origin of gas supplies;
(2) what view he takes of the size of the United Kingdom market for natural gas; what is his policy on the evolution of natural gas prices in relation to the total United Kingdom gas demand; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerIt is for the gas industry to respond to and assess developments in the market for natural gas, taking into account the cost and availability of future supplies.