§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions he has had with the Major Energy Users Council relating to electricity prices; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryMy right hon. Friend and I met representatives of the Major Energy Users Council—MEUC—on 12 February to discuss electricity prices for large consumers, and listened carefully and sympathetically to their concerns. My right hon. Friend asked the MEUC to provide detailed information about past and present electricity prices for MEUC members, on an individual site or company basis, as well as about other options to reduce energy costs which companies may have investigated, such as on-site generation or energy efficiency measures. It agreed to do so. Although my right hon. Friend and I fully appreciate the concerns of the MEUC about the levels of its electricity prices, it was made clear to it that the Government would not provide public subsidies. The Government remain fully confident that they have set in place adequate safeguards to protect the interests of all consumers in the electricity market.