HC Deb 18 December 1997 vol 303 cc307-8W
34. Mr. Alan W. Williams

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on progress in developing a single market in energy in the European Community. [19905]

Mr. Battle

Directive 96/92 concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity entered into force in February this year and must be implemented by the majority of Member States by February 1999. This Directive requires Member States to introduce competition in electricity generation and allow at least 25 per cent. of their market to seek alternative suppliers of electricity as a first stage, rising to around one third of the market by 2003.

Political agreement was reached at the Energy Council on 8 December on the Gas Liberalisation Directive.

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