§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will take steps to reduce the cost of industrial fuel by 20 per cent. in order to give an incentive to British industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellorNo. The Government remain committed to the economic pricing of energy. The price of each fuel must reflect its costs and scarcity value in use. We shall continue to do all we can to enhance the day-to-day operational efficiency of the supply industries and to ensure that United Kingdom energy is produced at the lowest possible cost. This must also involve a sustained effort over time to improve the nation's supply structure and bring investment in competitive new supplies to fruition.