§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Energy if, in view of the deep concern of the chemical industry at the present charges for energy and the fact that their competitors in France and Germany have the advantage of cheaper energy prices, he will take steps to harmonise fuel and energy charges within the Community; and if he will also give details of any other measures he proposes to take.
§ Mr. Norman LamontI am of course aware of the chemical industry's concern, and recently met the Chemical Industries Association to discuss its report on energy pricing. Discussion on their comparative international data is continuing at official level.
All Community member States have agreed to principles of economic pricing for all fuels and further discussions are in progress to refine the practical interpretation of these principles. However, even within the Community, costs of energy production and market conditions will naturally vary from country to country and this should be reflected in the price charged; harmonisation of prices would artifically distort the market. But we welcome the assistance of United Kingdom industry in identifying any unfair pricing practices, contrary to the agreed principles. The Government will take up vigorously with the Community any such cases.