HC Deb 09 July 1998 vol 315 cc634-5W
Mr. Redwood

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) when she plans to complete her review of electricity pool pricing; [48592]

(2) if her pool price review will require some coal-fired power stations to switch to base load and gas stations to peak load. [48593]

Mrs. Beckett

[holding answer 2 July 1998]: I expect to receive the advice of the Director General of Electricity Supply on the Review of Electricity Trading Arrangements this month. I will announce my decision after considering that advice.

Mr. Redwood

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is her forecast of electricity prices to domestic consumers for the next three years(a) on the basis of inherited policies and (b) taking into account her statement on her review of energy sources for power generation of 25 June 1998, Official Report, columns 1169–72. [48590]

Mrs. Beckett

[holding answer 2 July 1998]: The precise path of electricity prices will depend on market developments. We inherited an electricity market containing basic flaws which have tended to act to the disadvantage of coal and customers alike.

Mr. Redwood

To ask the President of the Board of Trade which specific proposals in her Energy Statement of 25 June 1998 will act to reduce consumer prices of electricity. [48589]

Mrs. Beckett

[holding answer 2 July 1998]: I refer the right hon. Member to the consultation document on the Review of Energy Sources for Power Generation published on 25 June 1998 and, in particular, to paragraph 13 of Chapter 4 and paragraph 17 of Chapter 5.

Mr. Redwood

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has had from the gas industry concerning her electricity review. [48588]

Mrs. Beckett

[holding answer 2 July 1998]: I refer the right hon. Member to Annex 2 of the consultation document on the Review of Energy Sources for Power Generation, published on 25 June 1998.