§ Mr. Ridleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the average subsidy paid out of the Exchequer, per head of the population, for gas, electricity and coal, respectively, in 1973, 1974; and what is his estimate for 1975.
§ Mr. BennThe figures, which in the main have resulted from the policy of price restraint and, in the case of coal, grants under the 1973 Coal Industry Act, are:
£ 1973–74 outturn price 1974–75 outturn price 1975–76 estimates Electricity 2.01 3.59 5.94 Gas 0.62 0.76 0.47 Coal 2.56 3.90 2.04