§ Sir Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will consider a revision of the relevant legislation to make it easier for those without gas supplies to be connected to the mains without inordinate costs to themselves.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithWithin the limits set by schedule 4 to the Gas Act 1972 connection charges are a matter for the judgment of the corporation. I do not propose to bring forward any legislation which would result in subsidised connections.
§ Sir Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received during his period of office from chairmen of regional gas boards that consideration should be given to making gas supplies available to those without them at a manageable cost.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithNone.
§ Sir Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for Energy what, in the latest available year, was the average charge made by gas boards for connecting up domestic customers for gas supplies where one did not already exist.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThis is a matter for the British Gas Corporation. I am asking the chairman to write to my hon. Friend.
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§ Sir Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for Energy what percentage of British households he estimates not to have access to a supply. of domestic gas.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe British Gas Corporation estimates the figure to be around 13 per cent.