HC Deb 04 July 1988 vol 136 cc419-20W
16. Dr. Reid

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what guarantees will be given to consumers on price increases following privatisation of the electricity industry.

Mr. Parkinson

As the hon. Member will be aware from the answer he received on 23 November 1987 at col. 21, the Government believe that privatisation, by introducing competition and increasing efficiency, will exert a downward pressure on costs and prices.

17. Mr. Andrew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received in the last month on the privatisation of electricity generation and supply.

Mr. Parkinson

I continue to receive a large number of representations.

20. Mr. Rost

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any plans to meet the Major Energy Users Council to discuss electricity privatisation.

Mr. Parkinson

I have no such plans at present; but I have received representations from a number of groups representing electricity consumers, and will consider them in preparing plans for privatisation.

29. Mr. Livsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if his Department has conducted a detailed study into the likely effects of electricity privatisation on employment in the coal industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Parkinson

The employment consequences of electricity privatisation for the coal industry will depend on the terms for the supply of coal, which will be a commercial matter for negotiation between British Coal and the privatised electricity generating companies.

30. Mr. French

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on operating costs in the electricity supply industry after privatisation.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Operating costs after privatisation will be a matter for the companies concerned. Competitive pressures and the regulatory regime will protect the interests of customers, including the prices they are charged.

Mr. Butler

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the implications for privatisation of electricity of the outcome of recent discussions in the European Community on the issue of flue gas desulphurisation of United Kingdom electricity-generating plant.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Privatisation will make no difference to the environmental standards that the electricity industry has to meet.