§ Mr. LevittTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to make regulations under the Utilities Bill regarding Consumer Council access to information. [113414]
§ Mrs. LiddellThe Utilities Bill contains strong information-gathering powers for the Gas and Electricity Consumer Council, to ensure it has access to the information it will need in order to play an influential and informed role on behalf of consumers within the regulatory system.
However, there are a small number of areas, such as information relevant to court proceedings, where confidentiality is legitimate. I have today published a consultation paper setting out the Government's initial thoughts on making regulations defining these areas, subject to Parliament's approval of the relevant provisions of the Utilities Bill.
I have placed copies of the consultation paper in the Libraries of both Houses.