During the debate on gas market fraud Anne Main asks for redress for constituents if the allegations of price rigging are proved to be true.

“I welcome today’s statement. Can I have an assurance that if it is proved that there has been market manipulation, there might be some form of redress for people in fuel poverty in my constituency and others who may have suffered as a consequence?”

Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change: “It is because of people in fuel poverty that we should take such allegations as seriously as we are taking them, although I should say to my hon. Friend—no doubt I shall say this to other hon. Members—that these are early days. We do not want to speculate on the exact nature of the offence or on whether it has been detrimental to individual consumers or companies, so I would guard against jumping to conclusions. However, she will know that if detriment to consumers can be proven, there are powers in competition law for different types of redress.”

Anne’s question to the Minister follows her speech in Parliament on the Energy Bill where she raised the issue of fuel poverty in St Albans. Since her speech on the Energy Bill fuel poverty in St Albans has risen by 51% making the issue of gas market fraud all the more pressing.

On leaving the Chamber Anne said:
“I am glad that the Minister will be exploring all the legal options open to him if these allegations are proven to be true. The increase in fuel poverty in St Albans is very worrying for hard working families under pressure from high energy prices. Especially when energy prices are high people need to have confidence that the energy price they are getting is fair. I hope that if there has been any foul play in the gas market those responsible are made to feel the full force of the law and any gains made by fraud are distributed back to those who have suffered from it.”

HANSARD TEXT:

Mrs Anne Main (St Albans) (Con): I welcome today’s statement. Can I have an assurance that if it is proved that there has been market manipulation, there might be some form of redress for people in fuel poverty in my constituency and others who may have suffered as a consequence?

Mr Davey: It is because of people in fuel poverty that we should take such allegations as seriously as we are taking them, although I should say to my hon. Friend—no doubt I shall say this to other hon. Members—that these are early days. We do not want to speculate on the exact nature of the offence or on whether it has been detrimental to individual consumers or companies, so I would guard against jumping to conclusions. However, she will know that if detriment to consumers can be proven, there are powers in competition law for different types of redress.

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