§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if she will make a statement on the implications for Norweb customers of the Utility Regulator's review; [33969]
(2) if she will make a statement on the new powers that will be given to regulators as a result of the Utility Regulator's Review; [33971]
(3) if she will make a statement on whether the Utility Regulator's Review will benefit electricity consumers who experience power failure for prolonged periods of time. [33970]
§ Mrs. BeckettThe review of utility regulation has not yet been completed. Until that time, it would be wrong of me to speculate on issues which fall under its remit. I would, however, encourage my hon. Friend to participate fully in the consultation process which will follow publication of the review's findings.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will introduce legislation to regulate redundancy payments in the utilities. [33967]
§ Mrs. BeckettThe utilities are subject to the provisions of the Employment Rights Act 1996 with regard to redundancy payments. I laid an Order on 18 February to increase the weekly earnings limit. I have no other plans to amend this legislation.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the powers of the utility regulators to intervene in the closure of maintenance facilities. [33966]
§ Mrs. BeckettThe electricity and gas regulators have duties to exercise their statutory functions in a manner best calculated to protect the interests of consumers in respect of continuity of supply. Where appropriate, electricity and gas licences contain conditions relating to continuity of supply. If the regulators consider that these conditions are not being satisfied, they have the necessary powers to enforce them.