§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy that all homes within the United Kingdom should be connected to mains electricity by the end of 2002; and if he will make a statement. [89851]
§ Mr. BattleObviously it is desirable that the relatively small number of homes without mains electricity (less than 1 per cent. of the total UK housing stock) should enjoy such a service. Unfortunately, since the majority of these households are in remote areas, the costs involved can be significant. As is recognised in existing legislation, it would be unfair for existing customers to subsidise the cost of connection to bring down the price for new ones. However, in cases where a supply has been requested and a quote for the connection has been given, the charge can be subject to determination by the Director General of Electricity Supply. Some remote communities have benefited from EU fund assistance with the cost of connection.