§ Mr. Damian GreenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what plans the Government have to increase use of gas-fired power; and if she will make a statement; [838]
95W(2) what plans the Government have to reduce dependence on coal-fired power; and if she will make a statement. [839]
§ Mr. WilsonThe Government have no plans to do either. Rather, the Government have established a fully competitive market structure for electricity generation in which both coal and gas are competing well.
Yesterday my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced that he has asked the Performance and Innovation Unit to undertake a review of the strategic issues surrounding UK energy policy. The aim of the review will be to define objectives within that framework and to develop a strategy consistent with longer-term goals. Competitive markets will continue to be central to energy policy.