Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how many and what proportion of applications for (a) Electricity Supply Standard Licences and (b) Gas Supply Standard Licences were refused by OFGEM in (i) 2018, (ii) 2017, (iii) 2016, (iv) 2015 and (v) 2014.

This is a matter for Ofgem, who as regulator is responsible for decisions to grant, extend, restrict and revoke gas and electricity supply licences. I have asked Ofgem to write directly to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Libraries of the House.