We've got enough gas, insists Brown

Gordon Brown has insisted that supplies of gas were not running out despite record levels of demand in the freezing weather conditions.

Seeking to reassure the country that the situation was under control, the Prime Minister said there was no prospect of a shortfall.

His comments come after nearly 100 businesses have been forced to stop using gas in a bid to conserve supplies.

National Grid has also issued two gas balancing alerts this week to warn over a potential shortfall in supplies, although it subsequently lifted them.

In his latest podcast from Number 10, Mr Brown said: "Because of the cold snap we are also facing record levels of demand for gas. National Grid has confirmed that it expects supplies to meet demand. I can assure you: supplies are not running out. We've got plenty of gas, of course, in our own back yard - the North Sea - and we also have access to the large reserves in Norway and Netherlands via pipelines."

The Prime Minister also sought to allay concern about salt supplies after local authorities and the Highways Agency attempted to cut consumption by a quarter.

"Working with the suppliers and the highway authorities, we are also making sure stocks of salt to grit roads and pavements get to where they're most needed," he said. "And we are also encouraging councils to share supplies, use existing stocks as effectively as possible and doing everything we can to ensure stocks are replenished."

Mr Brown said he understood that for many people this was a "very serious, worrying and frustrating time".

"Travellers are facing delays at airports and train stations and many minor roads continue to be pretty treacherous," he acknowledged.

"Businesses are also having a tough time, with supply and delivery problems, staff unable to get in and customers obviously staying at home. But I want to reassure you that we are working closely with the emergency services, local authorities and all the relevant agencies to do everything we can to minimise the disruption and - most importantly - to keep you safe and warm."