§ Mr. Mike Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will announce the terms of reference, nature and timetable of the inquiry his Department is conducting with the industries concerned with the structure of the gas and electricity tariffs.
§ Mr. VarleyI am examining with the industries concerned the social and other implications of various possible modifications to the structure of gas and electricity tariffs. The results of this examination will be taken into account, as appropriate, when future price increases are implemented. This study is, of course, only one aspect of the Government's comprehensive measures to protect the needy, such as the very real improvements made in the level of social security benefits in July and the further increases to be made in April next year.
§ Mr. Normantonasked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he is taking to ensure full consultation with all concerned in connection with any revisions which he proposes for electricity supply tariff structure; and, in particular, whether appropriate consideration will be 483W given to those who have installed night storage heating.
§ Mr. EadieI am considering electricity tariff structures with the electricity industry in the context of future price increases and any proposals will be put to the consultative councils in the normal way.