Prime Minister's question asked in the House of Commons, by Brian H Donohoe (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 17 June 2009 on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Engagements

Question: As my right hon. Friend may know, I have in my constituency three of the five biggest energy users, and they are very concerned about increasing energy costs. What steps are my right hon. Friend's Government taking to protect them against excessive profits, which has happened before in respect of the energy companies?

Answer: Everybody is concerned about the 50 per cent. rise in oil prices that we have seen over the last few weeks. The oil price was $150, then it went down to $30, and it has now gone up to $70. That means that it is very difficult for energy companies in this country, but also very difficult for consumers, and very difficult when we consider future gas and electricity bills. I believe that the world has got to look at what it can do to make sure that supply of and demand for oil is far more in balance, so that we can keep oil prices under control.

Secondary information