§ Mr. Peter Bottomleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the average percentage increase in all fuel prices since November 1977; what has been the percentage increase in the price of electricity, gas, coal and paraffin, respectively; and, if any further price increases have been notified, what is his 678W estimate of the annual increases for the 12 months beginning November 1977.
§ Dr. John CunninghamBetween November 1977 and May 1978 the per cent. increase shown by the fuel and light component of the General Index of Retail Prices was 2.8 per cent. The corresponding figures for coal and smokeless fuel, gas and electricity were 0.6 per cent., nil and 5.3 per cent., respectively. These figures are published by the Department of Employment each month.
Corresponding information for paraffin is not published separately from the fuel and light total; however the maximum retail price of premium paraffin has not been increased since January 1977 and I am not aware of any current notification to increase the price of paraffin.
In accordance with the announcement last February, gas prices are most unlikely to be increased before April of next year. In April of this year the tariff prices of electricity for domestic and other quarterly consumers were increased by just over 5 per cent. coincidentally with a 2 per cent. rise in the fuel cost adjustment. Although these increases are both partly reflected by the retail price index for May, the full effect will be spread over the three-month billing period following the increase. Notification has been given of a further 1 per cent. increase in the fuel cost adjustment which would become effective on 1st July next.
The price of domestic coal and solid smokeless fuels supplied to merchants will not change during the 12 months beginning November 1977 with the exception of "Homefire" smokeless fuel which was increased by £3 per ton on 1st January last.