Mr. O'NeillTo ask the President of the Board of Trade on what percentage targets of non-British Gas supply to both commercial and consumer markets his Department will assess the success of the Gas Bill by(a) 1998, (b) 2000 and (c) 2005; and if his Department will review (i) the competitive restrictions on British Gas plc and (ii) its relationship with British Gas TransCo if these targets are not met. [30088]
§ Mr. EggarThe regulatory framework proposed in the Gas Bill and accompanying licensing regime is intended to give all gas suppliers the opportunity to supply the market on fair and equal terms. It is not consistent with this objective to set targets for the loss of market share by one particular supplier.
255WThe regulatory framework we propose, together with normal competition law, provides mechanisms for the Secretary of State and the director general to consider, as necessary and in accordance with their respective roles, the appropriateness of particular licence conditions— whether standard or specific to British Gas—and the relationship of British Gas TransCo to the British Gas trading businesses.