Brown issues cold weather gas and salt supply pledge

[dutchman]

Gordon Brown has pledged the UK's gas supplies will not run out during the current cold snap, and that road salt will get to "where it is most needed".

The PM acknowledged the "worrying and frustrating" situation but said agencies were working together to keep the public "safe and warm".

Meanwhile, National Grid also has issued its third 'balancing alert' in a week, aimed at adjusting gas supplies.

Police have confirmed two more weather-related deaths, taking the total to 26.

The cold weather is set to continue for the next few days at least, with more snow forecast overnight in some parts of the UK.

National Grid had already issued and lifted two "balancing alerts" warning of a potential shortfall in supplies.

These alerts help the market to consider increasing gas supplies, and encourage electricity providers to use alternative fuels such as coal.

A spokeswoman said the third alert, which is due to end at 0600GMT on Sunday, was not due to the weather conditions but problems in the Norwegian gas fields.

She said a shortfall of 35 million cubic metres (mcm) was predicted, out of the 441 mcm needed.

The spokeswoman said the market had already responded and supplies had come in from other sources.

Earlier Mr Brown said the distributor had confirmed it expected to meet demand.

Kent Police have said the army is on stand-by should the weather get worse and advised people to stay at home unless it was necessary.