§ Mrs. Beckettasked the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the cost in each quarter since its introduction of the small usage concession on the standing charge to domestic consumers of gas and electricity.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe industries' annual accounts for 1983–84 indicate that in that year standing charge rebates amounted to £42 million in the case of British Gas and £14.5 million in the case of the electricity supply industry in England and Wales.
I have asked the chairmen of British Gas and the Electricity Council to write direct to the hon. Member as to whether any further information is available.