§ Mr. VazTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she is taking to(a) increase competition and (b) ensure fair pricing in the gas supply market. [29534]
§ Mr. BattleBy this summer, all domestic gas consumers in Great Britain should have a choice of supplier. Competition exerts a downward pressure on prices, and in the areas of the country which have already been opened to competition, consumers are able to benefit from prices which are up to 20 per cent. lower than those available from the former monopoly supplier. I am concerned that pre-payment meter users should also be able to benefit fully from the introduction of competition. This is an issue that is being considered as part of the Government's review of utility regulation.