§ 21. Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what information he has concerning the impact of fuel prices on the employment and living standards of people in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on what use he makes of this information.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerFuel prices for industrial and domestic customers have fallen by 24 and 18 per cent. respectively in real terms since 1983. This has raised living standards, reduced industrialists' real costs, improved their competitiveness and improved employment prospects in rural as well as other areas.