Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Simon Wright and Chris Huhne

Thursday 1st December 2011 Commons Chamber

[Chris Huhne]

I thank the right hon. Lady for her question. When the Green investment bank will be able to borrow has been set out clearly from the beginning. She wants to make the point that the borrowing powers of the Green investment bank are delayed, but the reality is that we are the only leading industrial country never to have had an infrastructure bank, despite the common experience of the 1930s and despite 13 years of Labour government. I very much hope that we will meet the net debt-to-GDP target as soon as possible, and when we do the GIB will be able to borrow.

[Simon Wright (Norwich South) (LD)]

2. What recent discussions he has had with major energy companies on their pricing policies.

[The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (Chris Huhne)]

I am sorry, Mr Speaker, but I do not have the answer to the question.

[Chris Huhne]

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I was under the impression that the question had been withdrawn, but I am happy to answer my hon. Friend.

We have had a number of discussions with energy companies, most recently the energy summit, in which we discussed consumer pricing.

[Simon Wright]

I thank the Secretary of State for his response. I am concerned about the extent of savings that are offered to the internet savvy and subsidised by offline customers. Given the digital divide, with many of the poorest households and older customers not having internet access, what action is he taking to ensure that everyone pays a reasonable price for their energy?

[Chris Huhne]

One of the key issues is that people who do not have online access should be able to get sources of advice that enable them to take advantage of cheaper tariffs. That may be people who are elderly or not necessarily able to get online, and one of the things that we are attempting to do is to encourage charities in the sector and organisations such as Citizens Advice to provide help when it is not forthcoming from family members. They are also a very important way of helping the elderly to move on to cheaper tariffs, however, and I know that a lot of family members do take the time to ensure that elderly members of the family get cheap tariffs.