To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what steps he is taking on the effective disclosure by gas and electricity suppliers of complaints handling data to the National Consumer Council; and if he will make a statement. (190481)

The Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007 confers, on the New National Consumer Council a power to require the disclosure to it by gas and electricity suppliers of such information as it requires for the purpose of exercising its functions.

Precise disclosure arrangements are a matter for the new council, in discussion with suppliers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (1) if he will take steps to ensure that the forthcoming complaint handling standards set by Ofgem contain provision for energy companies' complaints data will be subject to regular independent verification; and if he will make a statement; (190482)

The Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Act 2007 provides that setting of complaint handling standards for gas and electricity is a matter for the regulator, Ofgem (GEMA).

Ofgem consulted on its proposals for complaint handling standards in November last year and will be publishing its decision at the end of March. Ofgem is working closely with consumer groups on these standards to ensure that consumers remain protected.