Energy Markets Competition Assessment

Peter Bone Excerpts

Thursday 27th March 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Davey]

The investigation will not deal with that, because it involves policy on the generation mix. A mixed, diverse source of low-carbon energy is the best way in which to protect the consumer. There are Members of Parliament and, no doubt, many people outside who know the future—who have a crystal ball and know what the various technology costs will be in the 2020s. Perhaps SSE has a crystal ball; perhaps the hon. Gentleman has a crystal ball, but I do not. I have created a framework in which there is competition between technologies, and I believe that that is the right way in which to proceed.

[Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con)]

I am amazed that the Labour party wants to freeze energy prices when they are high, when wholesale prices are falling, and when the Government are reducing—as the Prime Minister delicately put it—Labour’s green crap. Would the Minister care to congratulate the Prime Minister on reducing subsidies for green energy, thereby driving prices down for the consumer?

[Mr Davey]

It is always nice to be able to agree with my hon. Friend on the odd occasion—[Interruption.] Not necessarily on everything he said—the right hon. Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) is very worried about that—but on his point about the Labour party and competition, I do agree.