asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of the British Gas Corporation to discuss the abolition of the corporation's monopoly buying powers.

I am in constant discussion with the chairman on this matter.

Will my right hon. Friend explain the justification of the British Gas argument against Government legislation that the breaking of the monopoly on the purchasing of gas, thus providing more competition, will increase prices? Does not the logic of this argument cast doubts on the whole credibility of British Gas?

I must confess that I have never been able to understand the logic of the British Gas Corporation's position on this matter. It seems clear that the introduction of competition will mean greater choke for industry and, in fact, choice where none exists at present, and that prices will tend to be lower rather than higher, as would have been the case.