HC Deb 18 December 1974 vol 883 cc483-5W
Mr. Arnold

asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what is the price per comparable unit of account of coal, gas, heating oil and motor spirit, respectively, in each of the member countries of the EEC;

(2) what is the price of electricity to industrial and domestic consumers, respectively, per comparable unit of account, in each of the EEC member countries.

Mr. Varley

Close international comparisons of prices of fuel are difficult to make, due to such factors as differing national consumption patterns, the wide variation in prices that can occur within countries and fluctuating exchange rates. This is particularly true in times of rapidly rising prices. The following table sets out the latest available information. The figures for each fuel relate to the same date but the date varies as between different fuels:

Mr. Varley

The scheme will cover consultants' fees only where they are related to capital projects for which a loan is made. I am awaiting a consultant's report on the provision of fuel advisory services in industry.

Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what percentage the £3 million he is making available in loans for energy-saving investment in industry is of the total annual capital expenditure by the oil, gas, coal, electricity and nuclear industries.

Mr. Varley

Such a calculation would be pointless, since these headings are not comparable.

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