To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what recent representations he has received regarding the funding of further computer runs relating to fuzzy matching techniques for the discovery of multiple share applications for British Gas shares in 1986.

Investigations into multiple share applications for British Gas shares are continuing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what will be the cost of the detection of multiple share allocations for the flotation of the electricity distribution companies by (a) fuzzy matching and (b) other computerised techniques; and how it will be funded.

The precise programme of work in this area has not been decided at this stage. The cost will depend on the scope of the work and also on the number of people applying for shares.