HC Deb 27 November 1987 vol 123 cc363-4W
Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the cost to the National Health Service of the proposed increase in electricity charges in(a) Clwyd and (b) Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Walker

The exact price increases for 1988–89 are yet to be fixed by the individual boards. The cost to health authorities will then be affected by their success in improving energy efficiency, for which there is considerable scope.

Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he has made any estimate of the impact of increased electricity charges upon the(a) steel and (b) chemical industries; what representations he has received from employers' associations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Walker

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the statement made by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Energy, on 3 November. I understand that any increases in electricity prices to industry are not expected to differ significantly from the likely overall average increase of 8 to 9 per cent. but the exact levels of increases have yet to be determined.

I have received no representations from employers' associations.