Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to review the regulatory framework in relation to the supply of mains gas to rural communities. [134728]
§ Mrs. LiddellThe Government recognise the importance of gas supplies to rural areas and are looking to the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority to be proactive in securing the widest viable coverage.
In addition, the Government have just amended the regulatory framework in the Utilities Act 2000 to remove the geographical exclusivity of Public Gas Transporters. This should make it easier for those in rural communities to obtain a connection by stimulating competition between PGTs and exerting a downward pressure on connection costs.
Later in the year, the Government will be taking two further steps with relevance to rural consumers and others. These are the publication, under the Utilities Act, of draft guidance to the new Gas and Electricity Markets Authority on social and environmental policies, and publication of a consultation document on UK Fuel Poverty Strategy.
Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the gas industry with a view to facilitating the supply of mains gas to rural communities. [134998]
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§ Mrs. LiddellExtensions to the gas network are a matter for the independent regulator, the Director General of Gas Supply.