New Year's Eve won't be a gas

The company responsible for providing Britain with gas, BG, has said it cannot guarantee its supplies won't be disrupted by the millennium bug. "The risks associated with the Y2K issue are unpredictable and wide-ranging," the company stated. "An extended disruption could cause the group's activities to be materially affected." What this really means is: "Get out your camping kit and blankets because you probably won't be hearing from us over the New Year." The announcement also coincides with a 96 per cent vote by offshore technicians to strike over the Christmas break over unhappiness with a 1.5 per cent pay increase. Not what you would call a good sign. But let's be practical about this. All it means is that you will be cold and hungry as well as hungover on the first day of the new millennium. ®