§ Mr. BlizzardTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will review the stricter consents policy on the construction of gas-fired power stations. [117227]
§ Mrs. LiddellAs the Government made clear in their October 1998 Energy Sources White Paper, the stricter consents policy is a temporary measure to protect diversity and security of supply while distortions in the electricity market are removed. The Director General of Electricity Supply is keeping my Department informed of progress in addressing the competition issues and the Government expect that the policy will be relaxed as soon as they conclude, on the basis of that advice, that the reform programme is under way and the distortions removed.