The Paper Federation and Confederation of Paper
Industries (CPI) were encouraged by their first meeting with new energy minister Peter Hain to discuss rising wholesale gas prices (PrintWeek, 19 January).


"It all went very smoothly and we were very encouraged by the ministers responses to the issues raised," said CPI director general Peter Scott.


"In about a weeks time we will get back together, and we will also be providing the minister with a further briefing document," he added.


The delegation, led by Jonathan Shaw MP, chairman of the paper industry All-Party Parliamentary Group, stressed that year-on-year increases cost the industry an extra 50m and threatened further job losses.


"I think we have done all we can to stress to the minister that action is needed sooner rather than later," said Scott.


Hain cancelled a trip to the US to attend the meeting during his first week in office.


He replaced Helen Liddell MP, who has been appointed as the new secretary of state for Scotland.


Hain also indicated during the meeting that the Prime Minister had put gas prices at the top of his agenda.


"We were encouraged by his support for manufacturing industry, and his indications that the government is aware of our concerns," said Scott.


Story by Andy Scott