§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is meant by the existence of conditions which necessitate exceptional 574W powers for controlling the sources and availability of energy in Clause 3(1)(b) of the Energy Bill; and whether it is intended to relate to a domestic emergency only resulting from either a threat to or the disruption of energy supplies.
§ Mr. John SmithClause 3(1)(b) of the Energy Bill provides powers to deal with an existing or threatened disruption of energy supplies, which falls outside the terms of our international obligations, but none the less requires exceptional measures of control.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the powers sought in Clause 3(1)(b) of the Energy Bill are required by the Government to cover non emergency situations.
§ Mr. John SmithThe powers to be activated by Clause 3(1)(b) of the Energy Bill are designed solely to deal with an energy emergency which requires exceptional measures of control.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) in regulating petroleum product prices under the Energy Bill, what is the interface between the Price Commission and the functions of the Secretary of State.
§ Mr. John SmithThe powers of the Price Commission under the Price Code include the limitation of price increases and control of profit margins. The Code allows oil price increases to be applied to the whole range of oil products. The powers sought in the Energy Bill are similar to those in the Fuel and Electricity (Control) Act 1973 to regulate prices of individual oil products, for example, the present maximum retail price of paraffin.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the criteria upon which he will exercise his powers under Clause 3(2)(b) of the Energy Bill.
§ Mr. John SmithThe exercise of these powers will depend on future circumstances and the development of United Kingdom oil policy. A typical use of such powers is the present regulation under the provisions of the Fuel and Electricity (Control) Act 1973 of the retail 575W price of paraffin which is of special importance to low income users.