§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy if, in the light of recent factory closure announcements, he will reconsider the Government's decision not to introduce a favourable electricity tariff rate for those industrial bulk consumers whose energy costs are critical to their viability.
§ Mr. MellorThe industry has already provided worthwhile help to its more intensive customers. Some 160 of these including firms in chemical, steel, cement and paper, have benefited from the measures announced in last year's budget, with electricity cost savings averaging 5 per cent., and in some individual cases exceeding 10 per cent. Within the limits set by costs, the Government intend to continue encouraging the electricity industry and its consumers to pursue every form of flexibility that holds out mutual advantage.