NATURAL GAS DEMAND, SUPPLIES AND THE UK GAS MARKET

Early day motion 1178, tabled 1 December 2005 by John Hemming (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 4 members.

That this House notes that at the rate at which gas was being taken from storage on Tuesday 29th November the UK would have entered into a gas emergency and be required to switch off some, and potentially all, gas electricity generation, which is 40 per cent. of supply by mid-January; further notes that it was warmer on Thursday 1st December and, if it stays at similar temperatures, which is unlikely, the UK will not face a gas emergency this winter; further notes however that 13 per cent. of the gas in long-term storage was withdrawn in the last two weeks and that on the rolling seven-day average of storage withdrawals on Tuesday the UK would face a gas emergency by 1st February 2006; and believes that the Government should do more than pray for warm weather and should be looking at further action for preventing and minimising the severity on the UK of a gas emergency as a matter of urgency.

Signatures by party: Conservative 2, Liberal Democrat 2.