§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the comparison between the cost to the industrial and the domestic consumer of gas, electricity and coal in each of the last 10 years.
§ Dr. J. Dickson MabonThis comparison is most readily shown by the ratio of domestic prices to industrial prices. These ratios, which also reflect changes in the mix and seasonal pattern of consumption as well as changes in prices, are set out below:
Gas* Electricity† coal‡ 1966 … 1.6 1.3 1.6–2.2 1967 … 1.6 1.2 1.6–2.3 1968 … 1.6 1.4 1.8–2.5 1969 … 1.8 1.3 2.0–2.6 1970 … 2.3 1.3 1.8–2.7 1971 … 3.4 1.2 1.7–2.5 1972 … 3.8 1.3 1.7–2.4 1973 … 3.6 1.3 1.6–2.4 1974 … 3.0 1.1 1.8–2.7 1975 … 2.8 1.2 1.6–2.3 * Based on average revenue per therm for domestic and for industrial consumers. In the latter case, they reflect changes in the structure of the market stemming from the introduction of large contracts hut do not fully reflect the prices charged under new contracts. The figures relate to the financial year ending in March of the following year. † Based on average net selling values. ‡ Based on estimates of delivered prices. The retail prices of domestic coal includes the costs of transport and wholesalers' and retailers' margins, which may result in an average increase on the pithead price of around 100 per cent. There is a wide variation round this average figure according to area and trader, which is reflected in the quoted ranges.