HC Deb 19 November 2002 vol 394 cc111-2W
Phil Sawford

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on sustainable energy requirements in the British Isles. [80425]

Mr. Wilson

The Government are currently carrying out a review of future energy policy with a view to issuing a White Paper in the new year. The White Paper will show how energy policy fits within the Government's overall approach to sustainable development.

Mr. Swayne

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what recent assessment she has made of the damage to the electricity distribution network caused by trees and branches during recent storms; and if she will make a statement; [80880]

(2) what plans she has to resume cutting back trees and branches close to power lines to avoid disruption to power supplies; and if she will make a statement. [80827]

Mr. Wilson

On 29 October 2002, I commissioned British Power International (BPI), to carry out an independent review of how the distribution licence holders handled the emergency caused by the recent storms. The electricity network operators who are to be reviewed areLondon Electricity Group including 24 seven (covering the Eastern, London and Seeboard distribution areas); Scottish & Southern Energy (in respect of the Southern area); Western Power Distribution (covering the South West and South Wales); Powergen (covering the East Midlands); Aquila (covering the West Midlands); Scottish Power (in respect of the MANWEB area) United Utilities (which manages the network in the North West)

The review has already started and initial findings will be published by the end of December. The study will include an assessment of the condition of the network and its ability to withstand such storms. This includes the degree to which trees and branches have been lopped to prevent them falling on lines during the high winds.