Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 15 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 December 2004. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 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, pursuant to her Answer of 9th December 2004 428 c704-5W, on fuel prices, what plans she has to commission research into the impact of increased fuel prices on manufacturing competitiveness in the UK.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her answer of 9 December 2004, Official Report, column 704W, on fuel prices, what plans she has to commission research into the impact of increased fuel prices on manufacturing competitiveness in the UK. [206223] Jacqui Smith: The Department undertakes regular monitoring and analysis of changes in fuel prices and their implications for manufacturing competitiveness in the UK. Most of the recent increases in oil, gas and electricity prices have occurred as a result of market forces. Any new Government measure which may be expected to have an impact on fuel prices is subject to a standard Regulatory Impact Assessment to assess whether the benefits of a policy justify the costs. The Department does not have specific plans to commission research into the impacts on manufacturing competitiveness but is working closely with industry and trade associations in these areas to understand the reasons for and implications of fuel price increases.

Secondary information