The Government slipped out news of the sale of the publicly owned strategic fuel distribution network of pipelines just before the election. No one noticed the written Parliamentary answer announcing the sale for £82million of the Government Pipeline and Storage System (GPSS) to the Spanish Compania Logistica de Hidrocarburos.
It took Private Eye to spot the sale – and the Government sweetener of a £237million contract to pay the Spanish company for government use of the system. One of GPSS’ services is to supply the RAF with fuel.
Two GPSS oil and gas pipelines cross the site of the Crown Estate’s Salisbury Road development. Special permission will be needed to site houses close to these pipelines and roads crossing the pipelines will have to be carefully routed to meet safety requirements.
Local businesses warned to look out for fake £50 and Scottish £20 notes
