§ Mr. LivseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the capacity of the work force of the electricity supply companies to maintain supplies to consumers following severe weather conditions. [115385]
§ Mrs. Liddell[holding answer 23 March 2000]: The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) establishes distribution price controls based on levels of service, which incorporate the frequency and duration of interruptions, including those due to all but the most severe storms. In addition, OFGEM has asked companies to prepare storm strategies and has stressed the importance of maintenance of supplies under all conditions in future. It is for the management of companies to determine the most appropriate strategies in response to these incentives and concerns.
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§ Mr. LivseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer the Electricity Distribution Price Review to the scrutiny of the Health and Safety Executive; and if he will make a statement. [115386]
§ Mrs. Liddell[holding answer 23 March 2000]: Safety is of paramount importance in the electricity distribution industry and an issue which transcends price controls. Companies have statutory obligations, enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), as well as the Electricity Supply Regulations 1988, which is the responsibility of the Engineering Inspectorate in my Department. The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, in proposing price controls, takes account of these obligations and companies, in accepting the price controls, accept their obligations to operate safe networks with the revenues provided.
§ Mr. LivseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library the consultant's report to the Regulator of OFFGEM on the Electricity Distribution Price Review. [115426]
§ Mrs. Liddell[holding answer 23 March 2000]: A summary of the consultant's reports to the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) has already been placed in OFGEM' s library.