§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will meet representatives of the British ceramic manufacturing industry to discuss the effect of increased gas prices on competitiveness; and if he will make a statement. [144447]
§ Mrs. LiddellI am always ready to meet representatives of industry to discuss energy matters.
As I said in my previous answer on 6 November 2000, Official Report, column 13W, the immediate cause of the rise is oil related gas contracts in Europe which tie the gas price to the oil price. This has brought about a sharp rise in North West European gas prices. This in turn has set the bench-mark for GB prices through trade across the interconnector. My Department continues to monitor the UK market and will not hesitate to refer anti-competitive behaviour to the appropriate competition authorities.
In the longer term, the key to the problem is the rapid introduction of liberalisation and competition in Europe to break the link between gas and oil prices.