Written question asked by Bill O'Brien (Labour) on Thursday, 27 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 November 2000. It was answered by Baroness Liddell of Coatdyke (Labour) on Thursday, 2 November 2000 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 recent steps he has taken to ensure consumers of services provided by privatised utilities receive value for money; and if he will make a statement. - Inc ref to Utilities Act 2000 and a Communications White Paper.

Answer: Mr. Bill O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent steps he has taken to ensure consumers of services provided by privatised utilities receive value for money; and if he will make a statement. [133904] Mrs. Liddell: The Government have brought in the Utilities Act 2000 which places the consumer at the heart of gas and electricity regulation. In addition, the Government work closely with Oftel to ensure that the regulatory system for telecoms operates to promote competition to benefit the consumer. Later this year we will be publishing a Communications White Paper which will set out the Government's proposals for the reform of the framework of communications regulation.

Secondary information