§ 16. Mr. Dykesasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a further statement on his Department's preparations for the privatisation of British Gas.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithSince my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's announcement on 18 June in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Mr. Hannan) in column 537, the director general designate of OFGAS has been appointed and a new draft authorisation published.
The Gas Bill has now started its report stage in another place.
§ 34. Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of British Gas; and what subjects were discussed.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, West (Mr. Sackville) earlier today.