Labour calls for delay in gas competition

Labour calls for delay in gas competition

The Labour Party called for a delay in the introduction of competition in the domestic gas market - due to start in the South-west on 1 April - warning that it could be "an expensive shambles". Concern over the first phase has mounted since it emerged earlier this week that Ofgas, the watchdog, has appointed consultant Chris Rees of Touche Ross to see if it should be postponed.

British Gas has also warned that computer and billing systems may not be ready on time and that chaos could ensue. But the Gas Consumers Council accused the company of making "contradictory and alarmist" statements and said it would resist any initiative by the company to delay competition.