Gas Prices

HC Deb 16 July 2001 vol 372 c39W

Mr. Shaw

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made with the inquiry into non-domestic gas prices. [1950]

Mr. Wilson

There has been no formal inquiry into gas prices. However, a key part of the Government's strategy to address the problem of high gas prices is to take action against any anti-competitive behaviour. At the Government's request, the EU Commission is conducting an inquiry into the operation of the UK-Belgium interconnector.

Meanwhile, DTI, Ofgem and OFT continue to monitor the market closely. Ofgem and OFT have strong powers under the Competition Act 1998 to act against anticompetitive behaviour if necessary.