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Energy Regulations (Consumer Prices)

The hon. Gentleman makes another solid point. It is very difficult to switch. The plain simple fact is that many people are prevented from switching by debt, prepayment meters that make switching harder, or outdated radio meters that simply will not allow it. Ofgem should have a second look at the view that switching alone should be the highest priority. I promise to wind up my contribution because I know that many hon. Members want to speak. The Minister knows that I have the highest regard for him and I know that, given the challenges he faces, he will do the best job he can. However, it is extremely worrying that yesterday Peter Lehman, the Government's own adviser on fuel poverty, said in a press release that the big six energy companies"““have raised their prices, especially electricity prices, by more than their cost increases (with variations between companies) and Ofgem has done far too little even to investigate this””" I think that that is the case. We know that there is a problem and we expect more from the regulators. If the powers do not exist, there is huge anxiety among all hon. Members that we should consider creating those powers. That is one reason why I shall conclude by saying to my hon. Friend the Member for Selby (Mr. Grogan) that he was right to table his early-day motion, which I have signed. If the companies and Ofgem think that their case is so good, why are they worried about going to the competition commissioner? Let them do so and undergo an examination, and let us go back to the people and explain what we have sought to do on their behalf to remove such a serious problem.