§ Helen JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent action the Government have taken to address concerns about the UK gas market; and if she will make a statement. [12658]
§ Mr. WilsonThe Government are very aware of concerns about the operation of the GB gas market in the light of rising gas prices. While we remain convinced that the primary reason behind the increase is arbitrage across the interconnector with high oil related gas prices in the European market, we are aware of the need to consider the impact of the operation of the other parts of the gas chain on the downstream market. Indeed, this forms an integral part of our strategy to address gas prices.
The Government have therefore today published a consultation document entitled "A Consultation On Concerns About Gas Prices And Possible Improvements To Market Efficiency", which considers the various concerns made about the gas market. The document also considers the wider benefits to the gas market of increased information flows between the onshore and the offshore. This builds on a joint workshop with the United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association held on 10 September.
The intention behind the document is to stimulate debate and to see if the concerns stand up to scrutiny. If we find any evidence of actual anti-competitive behaviour we shall bring it to the attention of the appropriate competition authority.
Copies of the consultation document can be found on the Department of Trade and Industry's website at www.dti.gov.uk/energy