§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy how much coal is being sold to industrial consumers in the United Kingdom below the current cost of production, including sales to Alcan's aluminium smelter at Lynemouth, Northumberland.
§ Mr. BennIndividual contracts are a commercial matter for the board. Its policy is to obtain sufficient revenue from prices to cover costs of production.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy how much electricity is being sold to industrial consumers in England 386W and Wales below the current cost of production, including sales to Anglesey Aluminium Metal Ltd. with a smelter at Holyhead, Anglesey.
§ Mr. BennI am informed by the Electricity Council that all electricity prices in England and Wales are still below the current costs of resources used in the production and distribution of electricity, although they are now at a level broadly consistent with the board's earning a 2 per cent. return on turnover as specified in the Price Code.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy how much natural gas is being sold to industrial consumers in the United Kingdom below current costs.
§ Mr. BeanThis is primarily a matter for the British Gas Corporation, but I am assured that no industrial contracts for natural gas would be let at prices below cost.