§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions have taken place with the French Government regarding the export or import of electricity; 458W what has been the outcome of these discussions; and what are the consequences for electricity generation in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Giles ShawImports and exports of electricity between the United Kingdom and France will take place via the cross channel link now being constructed by the Central Electricity Generating Board and Electricity de France. It will enable both countries to keep their generation costs down by enabling them to make more efficient use of their generating systems. Emergency assistance and economic trading will take place within the framework of a commercial agreement signed by the utilities themselves. It is planned as a two-way operation. There have been no specific discussions about the Link between the United Kingdom and French Governments.