HC Deb 16 October 1996 vol 282 cc949-50W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the President of the Board of trade what assessment he has made of the effect on safety of the national grids of the implementation of the recommendation by the electricity regulator made 'on 13 August, in respect of reduction in transmission costs charged by the National Grid. [40502]

Mr. Page

The Director General of Electricity Supply issued his fourth consultation document of the review of transmission price controls on 13 August. On 3 October he issued his final proposals which included some modifications. The Director General of Electricity Supply, in making his final proposals, was required to have regard to his statutory duties. These include, among other duties, exercising his functions in a way best calculated to protect the public from dangers arising from the transmission of electricity, and to secure that National Grid is able to finance the carrying on of its licensed activities. The National Grid is required to operate its transmission system in accordance with regulations relating to safety which are made under part 1 of the Electricity Act 1989.