§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to place a statutory obligation upon the utilities to purchase renewable energy; and what discussions he has had with those utilities to make sure that they purchase renewable energy at a realistic price. [111493]
§ Mrs. Liddell[holding answer 22 February 2000]: The Utilities Bill, which had its second reading in the House of Commons on 31 January 2000, contains provisions giving the Secretary of State powers to impose obligations on licensed electricity suppliers to secure the supply of renewables electricity. The Government's proposals for renewables electricity are the subject of extensive consultation with the industry.