HL Deb 22 February 1988 vol 493 cc1041-2WA
Viscount Hanworth

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether considerations other than the hope of increased efficiency and lower costs to the consumer have affected their policy towards the privatisation of the electricity supply industry?

Viscount Davidson

Her Majesty's Government's aims in privatising the electricity supply industry will be based on the principle that the needs of the customer should determine the industry's structure and how it is run. The best way of achieving this will be to free the industry from the constraints of Government control and introduce commercial disciplines; competition and private ownership will lead to greater efficiency and lower costs, and so give the customer a better deal.

Other considerations include the need for an effective form of regulation to protect the customer, coupled with new measures to ensure that he receives a satisfactory standard of service. It will be of vital importance to maintain a secure and safe supply of electricity, and we shall ensure that the industry's employees and the nation as a whole have an opportunity to share in the industry's success.