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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if a consumer-based, cost-benefit analysis has been undertaken on the potential benefits and disbenefits of completing all or part of the North West Coast Connection; and if he will make a statement.

The design and implementation of the proposed competitive regime for onshore transmission assets is properly a matter for Ofgem as the independent regulator. This would include any analysis or decision on whether to tender for competition any specific projects, including the North West Coast Connection. It is important to note that Ofgem has extensively consulted with industry on these proposals and intends to undertake an impact assessment on the case to tender all, or part, of the North West Coast Connection.