§ 5. Mr. Hannamasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any plans to change the arrangements for companies taking advantage of the provision under the Energy Act 1983, whereby they can use the Central Electricity Generating Board's grid system for transmitting electricity to customers.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI have no plans to change the arrangements set out in the Energy Act 1983. The electricity boards' tariffs for the use of their systems, which were published on 1 October, will be reviewed next spring.
§ Mr. HannamWill my right hon. Friend confirm that the large users of electricity receive more favourable terms from the electricity boards? Will he also consider the problem of the two or three large industries using continuous processes which are still facing great problems because of the electricity tariff? Will my hon. Friend reexamine and revise the tariff system?
§ Mr. ShawI agree entirely with my hon. Friend. Helpful arrangements have been made in many instances and tariff structures have improved. However, there are exceptions. My hon. Friend will be aware that the boards are happy to enter into special discussions with significant customers so that special agreements might be made.
§ Mr. EadieIn addition to that reply, I hope that the Minister will give the same assurance to the House as was given when we debated the Energy Bill, which is that the electricity boards and consumers will not be asked to provide a subsidy to industries which generate their own electricity, and that if they want to use the electricity grid it must be on the basis of the prices usually charged?
§ Mr. ShawI give the hon. Gentleman that assurance. Those are the circumstances in which boards will be discussing supplies of electricity with major customers.