§ Mr. StunellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what measures she will implement to ensure that the utilities regulators co-ordinate their activities to achieve the Government's pledged reduction in carbon dioxide emissions; [44879]
103W(2) what action she will take to ensure that the new gas and electricity regulators' decisions will take account of (a) Government energy-saving policy and (b) the environmental impacts of regulatory action. [44882]
§ Mrs. BeckettThe Green Paper "A Fair Deal for Consumers" sets out the Government's proposals for reform of utility regulation, including proposals to give new guidance to the regulators on social and environmental objectives relevant to their tasks, and to merge Offer and Ofgas into a single regulatory office.
The responses to the Green Paper are presently being considered, and I will announce the Government's intentions as regards changes to the regulatory framework in due course.
§ Mr. StunellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans her Department has to give a defined role to the fuel regulators in achieving the United Kingdom's carbon dioxide commitments; and if she will make a statement. [44880]
§ Mrs. BeckettThe Government will shortly be consulting on their approach to tackling climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, including options for delivering the UK's international commitments. The consultations are likely to include possible options for promoting energy efficiency, which may include regulatory measures.