§ 99. Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what studies he has made of the inflationary significance of proposed gas price increases and of their social significance particularly for the elderly and those on low incomes; what action he has taken to prevent these increases; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RidleyThese increases average 6.3 per cent., and for domestic consumers alone 8.2 per cent., against an increase of 15.4 per cent. in the index of retail prices since the last gas price increases in April, 1968. Since then many consumers have had price reductions on conversion to natural gas. Increases in fuel costs are reflected in the retail prices index and are therefore taken into account along with other factors when new rates of social security benefits are fixed.