§ Mr. Mike Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Energy what progress has been made in considering the interests of small and poor consumers in the current proposals for increased energy prices.
§ Mr. VarleyThe interests of small and poor consumers are being given particular attention, together with the other relevant factors, in the consideration of the energy price increases which will shortly be necessary. But the scope for change is limited by—amongst other things—the fact that the poor consumer cannot be identified with the small consumer. The poor consumer may be heavily dependent on a single fuel which he uses in large quantities.
SELECTED FUEL PRICES IN COUNTRIES OF THE EEC Electricity* p/kWh Domestic Heating§ Motor Spirit|| p/gallon Low-voltage sales High-voltage sales Coal†£/ton Gas‡ p/therm Oil p/gallon Regular Premium Germany … 1.68 0.97 20–21 17.8 24.6–25.4 65.9 71.5 France … 1.86 0.68 17–18 21.2 22.2–24.7 69.7 75.6 Italy … 1.47 0.65 18–19 10.2 27.8 84.1 87.9 Netherlands … 1.07 0.57 17–18 7.7 23.1–23.5 71.5 73.6 Belgium … 2.14 0.81 17–18 16.2 28.4–29.0 71.3 73.6 Luxembourg … 1.51 0.73 17–18 .. 27.4 58.5 60.7 United Kingdom … 0.99 0.77 11–12 10.5 21.0–22.0 61.0 62.5 Ireland … .. .. 16.17 .. 20.1 63.3 65.3 Denmark … .. .. 16–17 .. 25.7 73.0 75.0 National currencies have been converted at the exchange rate current at the appropriate date. .. = Not available. * Average receipts per kWh for sales at low and high voltages. Figures relate to year 1972, except for Netherlands which relate to year 1971. † Typical prices at pithead for industrial coal (including that for electricity generation). Prices as at November 1974. ‡ Representative figures for domestic consumers of about 800 therms a year. Prices as at July 1974. § List prices for deliveries of about 200 gallons; prices as at November 1974. || Typical prices at pump; as at December 1974.