Key contacts between Enron and Downing Street

Internal links

Blair under pressure over government links to Enron

Four ministers met executives of US energy giant

Donald Macintyre: We won't escape the fallout from the Enron scandal

Downing Street said that ministers had seven meetings with Enron's representatives. It also released details of policy announcements that had an impact on the firm.

28 April 1998 Industry minister John Battle meets Kenneth Lay, Enron chairman and chief executive.

25 June 1998 Margaret Beckett, Trade and Industry Secretary, publishes Green Paper on energy, which says there are "serious distortions" in the electricity market and proposes short-term restrictions on planning consents for gas-fired power stations.

10 September 1998 Peter Mandelson, Trade Secretary, acting on the advice of the Director General of Fair Trading, clears the acquisition of Wessex Water by Enron Water.

23 September 1998 Mr Mandelson and Mr Battle meet representatives of Enron, Mobil, Sweb, Esso and Alston UK to discuss energy issues arising from the Green Paper.

8 October 1998 Government White Paper published by Mr Mandelson confirms short-term policy of blocking consent for gas-fired stations to iron out distortions in electricity market, to be lifted on advice of Director General of Gas and Electricity Markets.

26 May 1999 Stephen Byers, Trade Secretary, meets Enron representatives.

9 February 2000 Industry minister Helen Liddell meets Enron representatives to discuss issues in relation to coal transportation.

29 February 2000 Mr Byers opens Enron Europe HQ.

13 April 2000 Ms Liddell has further meeting with Enron relating to coal transportation, with other coal companies present.

13 April 2000 The same day, the Director General of Gas and Electricity Markets advises Mr Byers to lift the block on planning consents for gas-fired stations.

17 April 2000 Mr Byers announces in a statement to MPs in the House of Commons that planning embargo on gas-fired stations will be lifted.

5 October 2000 Ms Liddell visits HQ of Enron Europe – no further details of visit.

15 November 2000 Mr Byers announces the lifting of the consent block on gas-fired stations, after completion of the new electricity market trading arrangements.

January 2001 Enron Europe chairman, Ralph Hodge, is appointed CBE in the New Year Honours List.