Written question asked by John Grogan (Labour) on Monday, 6 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 December 2004. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Thursday, 9 December 2004 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 assessment she has made of the impact on manufacturing industry of the recent rise in gas prices. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Grogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the impact on manufacturing industry of the recent rise in gas prices. [203433] Mr. Mike O'Brien: The Department is monitoring closely the impact of rising gas prices on British manufacturing. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry is meeting representatives of industry today, and I have met two large chemical companies, to address their concerns in this area. The increases are in the main a result of market forces and follow a period in which gas prices have generally been at historically low levels in real terms. The UK has the most competitive energy market in the EU and industrial electricity and gas prices have been among the lowest in the EU over the last few years.

Secondary information