Written question asked by Lord Pickles (Conservative) on Tuesday, 30 November 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 December 1999. It was answered by Baroness Liddell of Coatdyke (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 December 1999 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what plans he has to ensure that British Gas LP Gas is accountable to the Gas Consumer Council. - Includes ref to Gas Act 1986 and Fair Trading Act 1973.

Answer: Mr. Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to ensure that British Gas LP Gas is accountable to the Gas Consumer Council. [101164] Mrs. Liddell: The Gas Act 1986 defines gas by reference to substances which are in a gaseous state and does not deal with liquid petroleum gas (LPG) unless it is in a gaseous state when ownership is transferred to the consumer. As a body set up under the Gas Act 1986, the Gas Consumers' Council therefore has no functions in respect of companies' LPG activities. The Government have no plans for change in this respect. As consumers have done in the past, problems concerning the pricing and supply of LPG, should continue to be referred to their local Trading Standards Department. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is responsible for consumer protection and competition issues covering the LPG industry including issues of pricing, supply and delivery and has powers under the Fair Trading Act 1973 to investigate anti-competitive behaviour such as collusive or predatory pricing. Consumers will continue to be able to bring this to the attention of the Director General of Fair Trading.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 340 c567W; 101164
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Consumers Protection Natural gas Liquefied petroleum gas Regulation Gas Consumers' Council