Written question asked by David Stewart (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 February 2005. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Thursday, 10 February 2005 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what plans she has to review the gas storage capabilities of the UK at the point when the UK becomes a net importer of gas.

Answer: Mr. David Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to review the gas storage capabilities of the UK at the point when the UK becomes a net importer of gas. [214520] Mr. Mike O'Brien: [holding answer 7 February 2005]: According to the latest available data, the UK made the transition to being a net importer of gas in 2004. Information on recent market movements suggests that the currently available storage has been sufficient to date over the course of the current winter and that stocks remain relatively high. As outlined in the regular report published by the Joint Energy Security of Supply Working Group (JESS), there are a number of new gas storage projects due to come on stream over the next few years. The latest update of the JESS report is available on the following weblink: http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/ jess/reports.shtml

Secondary information