15 DECEMBER 1979, Page 17

Gas concession

Sir: Your interesting and important leading article of 8 December omitted one crucial consideration in its examination of (and strictures on) the performance of the National Coal Board.

In the domestic market the chief competitor of coal is gas. But the price of gas (unlike that of coal) is regulated (because of an earlier political decision), and is held artificially low. If, as it claims, the present government is committed to introducing a market approach throughout the economy then the privileges enjoyed by the producers of gas should be removed.

Given the handicap imposed on it by the special position of its main competitor think the Coal Board has handled its affairs rather well.

Patrick Cosgrave 118 Kyrie Road, London SW11