Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Thérèse Coffey and Julian Smith

Thursday 20th October 2011 Commons Chamber

[Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con)]

2. What progress he is making on ensuring that off-grid households have access to affordable heating fuels in the winter of 2011-12.

[Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)]

12. What progress he is making on ensuring that off-grid households have access to affordable heating fuels in the winter of 2011-12.

[The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Charles Hendry)]

On Tuesday, the Office of Fair Trading published its study of the off-grid energy market, which found that action is needed to protect heating oil consumers in some areas. Ahead of next winter, the Department has been working with industry and consumer groups in a national campaign to encourage customers to order early and ensure they are well prepared for winter. We have also reminded terminal operators to ensure that they have sufficient salt to maintain access to their depots in the event of snow and ice over the coming winter.