§ 4. Ms. QuinTo ask the secretary of state for energy if he will make a statement on his policy towards competitive electricity pricing in the light of the result of 507W the survey on international electricity pricing organised by National Utility Services, a copy of which has been sent to him.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerUnited Kingdom domestic electricity prices are among the lowest in Europe and will continue to he among the lowest after the increase in April. United Kingdom electricity prices will continue to compare favourably with world electricity prices.
§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received from pottery, brick and tile manufacturers and other concerned industrialists about the effect of proposed electricity price increases on their industry; what information he has of the effect on industries highly dependent on energy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerI have received a small number of representations from pottery, brick and tile manufacturers. The increase in electricity tariffs this April is likely to represent only about one quarter of 1 per cent. of their gross output. United Kingdom electricity tariffs for industry will remain highly competitive with those overseas even after April, and intensive users will have the continued benefit of contracted load management schemes and the qualifying industrial consumers' scheme (QUICS).