HC Deb 09 May 1988 vol 133 cc22-3W
7. Mr. Ray Powell

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy, what recent meetings he has had with the chairman of the Central Electricity Generating Board to discuss the privatisation of electricity.

Mr. Parkinson

I meet the chairman of the CEGB, Lord Marshall, regularly to discuss various matters relating to the privatisation of the electricity supply industry.

23. Mr. Nicholas Bennett

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what interest has been shown by investors, both institutional and private. United Kingdom based and overseas, in investing in the privatisation of the electricity supply industry.

Mr. Parkinson

I am pleased to say that considerable interest is already being expressed in the privatisation of the electricity supply industry, and I am confident that the flotations will be a success.

Mr. Prescott

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions he has had with his financial advisers about the implications of recent stock exchange difficulties for privatisation of the Central Electricity Generating Board and the timetable for such privatisation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Spicer

I have discussions with my advisers on a wide range of subjects connected with the privatisation of the electricity supply industry. The privatisation will have to take account, amongst other factors, of the condition of the market at the time of the sale, not of last autumn, and I am confident that there will be wide interest among institutional investors and members of the public.

27. Mr. David Nicholson

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received on his proposals for protecting customer rights and standards of service when the electricity supply industry is privatised.

Mr. Parkinson

I have received representations from a range of interested parties welcoming the Government's proposals to give new rights to the consumer.

28. Mr. Darling

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received from interested parties in connection with the request that the electricity supply industry will be required to provide about one-fifth of the electricity from non-fossil sources following privatisation.

Mr. Parkinson

I have received a number of representations from a range of interested parties.

29. Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the likely increase in electricity prices in the period leading up to privatisation of the electricity supply industry.

Mr. Parkinson

Electricity prices are set by the industry in the light of the Government's financial target and the scope they have to make cost reductions. It is too early to say what the price rise will be next year and beyond.

34. Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received concerning the regulation of the proposed private electricity supply companies

Mr. Parkinson

I have received representations on a wide range of subjects connected with the privatisation of the electricity supply industry.

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