Fuel Costs

HC Deb 09 April 1968 vol 762 cc206-7W

43. Mr. Eadie

asked the Minister of Power if he will consider setting up an independent inquiry into the productive and distributive costs of fuel along the lines suggested by the Select Committee on Science and Technology.

Mr. Freeson

Comparative cost trends are kept under review as part of the Department's continuing work on fuel policy.

44. Mr. Eadie

asked the Minister of Power what estimate he has made of further increases in the cost of fuel energy to the consumer.

Mr. Freeson

Increases in prices of gas and coke are expected to raise the fuel and light component of the Retail Price Index by just under 3 per cent. and the Index itself by less than one-fifth of 1 per cent.