Asked by: Antoinette Sandbach (Liberal Democrat - Eddisbury)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what estimate he has made of the cost to consumers of over-billing by gas companies; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Claire Perry
The independent regulator, Ofgem, through conditions in the supply licence require suppliers to treat their domestic customers fairly, including providing information (whether in writing or orally) that is complete, accurate and not misleading in terms of the information provided or omitted. Domestic supply or deemed contracts must include any compensation and refund arrangements which apply if contracted quality service levels are not met, including inaccurate and delayed billing. Ofgem have taken enforcement action against suppliers where there is evidence of inaccurate billing.
In addition, the Office for Product Safety and Standards is responsible for the regulatory system that delivers accuracy in measurement of gas consumed.
Asked by: Antoinette Sandbach (Liberal Democrat - Eddisbury)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he has to require the measurement of the ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure in gas meters in domestic accommodation.
Answered by Claire Perry
This is a matter for the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem). I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon Member. I will place a copy of his letter in the Libraries of the House.
Asked by: Antoinette Sandbach (Liberal Democrat - Eddisbury)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of rules of origin under the proposed maximum facilitation model on the manufacturing sector.
Answered by Lord Harrington of Watford
My rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and his officials have been working closely with businesses across a range sectors, as well as other government departments, to understand the impacts of future customs arrangements, including any rules of origin, on businesses and the economy . As my rt. hon. Friend the Prime Minister has stated, we are committed to ensuring that trade between the UK and the EU is as frictionless as possible.
Asked by: Antoinette Sandbach (Liberal Democrat - Eddisbury)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the cost of replicating EURATOM in the UK.
Answered by Lord Harrington of Watford
The nature of future arrangements with Euratom and the EU will be subject to negotiation. Our aim throughout the negotiations with the European Commission will be to maintain our mutually successful civil nuclear cooperation with Euratom and the rest of the world. The scope of these arrangements will determine the cost.
Government included a nuclear safeguards bill in the Queen’s Speech and, subject to the will of Parliament, this will ensure that the Office for Nuclear Regulation has the legal underpinning required for it to take on the role and responsibilities required to meet our international safeguards and nuclear non-proliferation obligations.
Asked by: Antoinette Sandbach (Liberal Democrat - Eddisbury)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps the Secretary of State is taking to ensure supermarkets are not breaching the industry code of practice by delaying payments to suppliers and demanding extra fees.
Answered by Anna Soubry
The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) is responsible for enforcing the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (the Code). The GCA is independent from Government. The current Adjudicator is Christine Tacon.
The Government fully supports the GCA. We were very pleased to see the recent report of her investigation into Tesco. The GCA found Tesco had breached the Code by delaying payments to its suppliers and she made recommendations to ensure future compliance with the Code.
The GCA’s investigation and report sent a clear message to all supermarkets subject to the Code that she will accept no less than the principle of fair dealing demanded by the Code. It put the industry on notice that any breach of the Code is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.