§ Mr. Barronasked the Secretary of State for Energy what consideration is being given to the use of substitute natural gas produced from coal as an alternative to the Sleipner gas contract; and whether any assessment has been made by Her Majesty's Government of the annual tonnage of coal which would be required for this purpose.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithOn current estimates, synthetic natural gas produced from coal would be far more expensive for the gas consumer than either the British or Norwegian gas currently on offer to the British Gas Corporation and is not therefore under consideration as an alternative to Sleipner.
§ Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he is now in a position to announce his decision on the British Gas Corporation's request that it be allowed to import natural gas from the Sleipner field; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithAn announcement will be made as soon as possible.