§ Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will ensure that any departmental recommendations to the nationalised industries on energy prices following the findings of the energy task force will preclude raising domestic energy tariffs.
§ Mr. Norman LamontWe shall consider carefully the findings of the task force and their implications for all consumers.
§ Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will undertake an investigation to establish the effects of a high industrial energy pricing policy on the British synthetic fibres and textile industry.
§ Mr. LamontThe effects of energy pricing policy on all sectors of industry in this country have in recent months been the subject of close scrutiny. Together with my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Industry and for Trade, I am paying particular attention to damage that may be caused to the synthetic fibre and textile industry when our major trading partners depart from economic pricing principles. I am advised that the present under-pricing of energy in the United States leads to product price advantages within the range 8 to 16 per cent. for synthetic yarns and fibres. As a result of an initiative by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State the European Commission has been instructed by the Foreign Affairs Council to take up this and other problems with the United States authorities.