HC Deb 10 April 1989 vol 150 c330W
28. Mr. Anthony Coombs

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what proposals are being considered for an employee share ownership scheme following privatisation of the electricity industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Spicer

We shall make sure that special terms are available to enable employees to purchase shares in their companies. However, no decision on the type of offers that will be made to employees has yet been taken.

39. Mr. Robert Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his latest estimate of the direct cost of privatisation to the two Scottish boards and the 12 area boards in the electricity supply industry in 1989–90 when compiled on the same basis as the £76 million proposed to be shown in the accounts of the Central Electricity Generating Board and its successor companies.

Mr. Michael Spicer

My right hon. and learned Friend, the Secretary of State for Scotland is responsible for the two Scottish boards. The costs of preparing for the forthcoming privatisation, incurred by any of the 12 area boards or the two Scottish boards, are the responsibility of the boards themselves.

44. Mr. David Davis

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what proposals are being considered for customer rights following privatisation of the electricity industry; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Spicer

The Electricity Bill currently before Parliament provides customers with a whole range of new rights which they have never had before, including a new system of guaranteed standards of performance with automatic compensation for failures to meet these standards, special consideration for the elderly and disabled and help for those who have difficulty in paying bills. The Director General of Electricity Supply will have the key role of protecting the consumers' interests, and he will be advised on all issues affecting the consumer by the new regional consumer committees.

48. Mr. Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his latest estimate of the impact of privatisation on the number of employees employed by the electricity supply industry for 1988, 1990 and 1992.

Mr. Michael Spicer

Manning levels after privatisation will be a matter for the industry, as is the case now.