Dispute Resolution

Joan Ruddock
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether (a) his Department and (b) Ofgem have any plans to require energy suppliers to become members of alternative dispute resolution schemes which can investigate complaints on behalf of small business consumers; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks
The existing level of regulatory protection in respect of gas and electricity broadly reflects that in general consumer law. It is open to Ofgem to consider whether additional regulatory protection, including the introduction of alternative dispute resolution schemes, is required. I understand that the chairman of Ofgem will write to my hon. Friend about the information she has sought.