§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, when British Gas is privatised, they intend also to privatise onshore natural-gas pipelines and, if so, how; and what protection is proposed for the consumer.
§ The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Lord Gray of Contin)The legislation under consideration will transfer all of the present assets of British Gas to a new company which will in turn be transferred to the private sector through the sale of shares to the public and employees. New regulatory arrangements will be established to protect gas consumers both as regards prices and the terms and conditions of supply.