HC Deb 01 July 1992 vol 210 c641W
Mr. Spearing

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the implications of the proposals for Trans-European networks contained in articles 129b, c and d of the treaty on European union for equalisation on harmonisation of the relevant system costs, or costs to the consumers or users of such designated networks.

Mr. Needham

Action by the Community on Trans-European Networks in energy telecommunications and transport, provided for in articles 129b to 129d of the treaty on European union, is to be aimed at promoting interconnection and inter-operability of national networks within a framework of open and competitive markets. If the Community succeeds in encouraging larger and more liberalised networks, this can be expected to lead to greater competition and thus to bring prices for consumers and users more closely into line with costs.