HC Deb 12 May 1999 vol 331 cc144-5W
Mr. Dafis

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what environmental appraisal his Department is undertaking of the review of utility regulation. [82855]

Mr. Battle

The review has concluded that Ministers should have powers to give statutory guidance to the regulators on the social and environmental objectives which are relevant to their responsibilities. The Government intend to legislate as necessary on the conclusions of the review as soon as parliamentary time can be made available. We also intend that this legislation should provide enabling powers for energy saving obligations in the gas and electricity industries. When the Government put their legislative proposals before Parliament, they will be accompanied by a suitable environmental appraisal.