§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures she is taking to increase consumer protection in the energy market. [48162]
§ Mr. WilsonGas and electricity consumers are protected by general competition and consumer legislation, including the Doorstep Selling Regulations, which were enhanced in 1998, and the new Distance Selling Regulations, which were introduced in 2000. They are also protected by specific regulations, which are the responsibility of the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM). In the Utilities Act 2000, OFGEM was given the principal objective of protecting the interests of consumers. The Act also established the Gas and Electricity Consumer Council (Energywatch) to represent the interests of consumers. OFGEM maintains licence conditions governing the sale and marketing of gas and electricity supply, and has recently given a commitment to extending these for a further two years. Where appropriate, OFGEM takes action against suppliers that breach these conditions. On 1 April, OFGEM introduced new Guaranteed Standards of Performance for gas transporters and electricity distributors.
§ Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry with regard to the European Parliament's First Reading position of 13 March on the proposal for a directive amending Directives 96/92/EC and 98/30/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in electricity and natural gas, if she will indicate, with particular regard to the interests of those consumers living in rural areas, the position that she will take in council on the Parliament's Amendment 42 that seeks to strengthen the terms of the universal service (Article 3(3), 96/92/EC). [47642]
§ Mr. WilsonIt is a Government priority to bring the benefits of market liberalisation to all consumers, including those living in rural areas. The Government will have this objective in mind when it takes a position on the proposal which the commission will submit to the council in the light of the European Parliament's amendments. Individual amendments are not voted on by the council; rather, the commission presents a revised text which includes those European Parliament amendments which it accepts. I note that Amendment 42 does not mention rural consumers, merely vulnerable consumers.