§ 13. Mr. Rookerasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the average domestic quarterly standing charge for gas at the latest convenient date; and how this compares with 1979.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe average domestic quarterly standing charge for gas is at present £9.46; in June 1979 it was £1.91, but, as a result of changes in the tariff structure, the two figures are not directly comparable.
§ Mr. RookerWill the Minister assure the House and gas consumers that, unlike the previous Parliament, there will be no tax on gas in this Parliament?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithCertain planned increases in the price of gas took place over three years. That process has now been completed and in the corning year we would not expect increases to be more than the rate of inflation.