HC Deb 13 July 1987 vol 119 c337W
22. Mr. Stern

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he plans to publish a consultation document on the privatisation on the electricity industry.

Mr. Michael Spicer

We are engaged in widespread consultation and will bring forward our proposals as soon as our consideration of the important issues involved is complete.

27. Mr. Pike

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the future of the electricity generating industry.

Mr. Parkinson

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Stretford (Mr. Lloyd) earlier today.

34. Mr. Allen McKay

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of the Central Electricity Generating Board to discuss the construction of new power stations.

Mr. Parkinson

I met the chairman of the CEGB recently and we discussed a wide range of issues. Applications for consent to the construction of power stations are a matter for the CEGB and I have received no applications either for coal-fired or nuclear stations.

35. Mr. Hayward

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what plans he has to introduce a regulatory system for prices in the electricity supply industry when it is privatised.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Proper regulation will certainly be necessary and will depend on the structure of the privatised industry, which is currently under consideration.

36. Mr. Tim Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make it his policy to make competition a priority when determining his plans for the privatisation of electricity.

Mr. Parkinson

Yes.

Mr. Ashton

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the future of the electricity supply industry.

Mr. Parkinson

The Government are working to secure a very successful future for the electricity supply industry in the private sector. We are urgently tackling the important issues involved, and consulting widely, and will bring forward proposals as soon as this work is complete.