HC Deb 29 June 1994 vol 245 cc610-1W
Mr. Spellar

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his oral answer of 22 June,Official Report, column 231, if he will make a statement on the proposals for opening up the international market in electricity.

Mr. Eggar

The Government welcome the European Commission's proposals to liberalise the electricity market in the European Union. The European energy market must be opened up if costs are to be driven down and the competitiveness of European industry improved. The Government's objective is therefore to reach agreement on the Commission's proposals as soon as possible.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to encourage the electricity generating industry to buy from British suppliers.

Mr. Eggar

The electricity generating industry buys from competitive suppliers. The White Paper, "Competitiveness: Helping Business to Win", Cm 2563, sets out the approach that the Government are taking to ensure that British suppliers maximise their competitiveness.