The Paper Federation of Great Britain has issued a supportive response to the Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons to discuss the impact of gas prices on UK manufacturing (PrintWeek, 9 February).


The debate, secured by Jonathan Shaw MP, made particular reference to the plight of the paper industry, and the fact that gas costs for the industry have risen by 50m a year.


Three things in particular came over from the minister, said director general Peter Scott. Competition should be increased in Europe, greater transparency is required regarding the pipeline between the UK and Belgium, and the minister made reference to the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) action plan.


The EU Commission is to launch an investigation into the use of the interconnector pipeline that runs between Bacton in East Anglia and Zeebrugge in Belgium.


We were encouraged by the ministers statement that the Government would leave no stone unturned in the inquiry, said Scott.


Shaw also referred to the fact that two UK paper mills had abandoned plans to develop CHP plants, a factor that is crucial in the UKs commitment to cutting CO2 levels by 20% by 2010.


One cautionary note I will make is that time frames are important, and action is required sooner rather than later, said Scott.


Story by Andy Scott