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 effect on the (a) cost of gas to consumers and (b) viability of energy intensive industries close to terminals of Ofgem's new gas transportation charging regime.

The Government is fully committed to minimising industrial energy costs in the UK to ensure our industries remain strong and competitive. We continue to progress a range of measures to deliver an efficient and effective gas system that benefits all GB consumers.

Ofgem, as the independent energy regulator, has responsibility for matters relating to gas network charging and has made their decision in accordance with its statutory duties, including Ofgem’s principal objective to protect the interests of GB’s energy consumers.