§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Energy by what percentage the average cost of gas and electricity and domestic coal, respectively, have increased since February 1974.
§ Dr. John A. CunninghamThe increases in prices as indicated by the subgroups of the General Index of Retail Prices from 19th February 1974 to 15th February 1977 are: gas 57 per cent. electricity 119 per cent. and coal and coke 92 per cent.
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the average price of gas per therm in Scotland and England, respectively, at the most recent date for which figures are available; what were the comparable figures, respectively, in each of the previous 10 years; and what estimate he has made of the cost per therm in Scotland and England if the current proposed increase is implemented.
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§ Dr. John A. CunninghamThe average revenues—pence per therm—from gas sales by the appropriate regions of the British Gas Corporation for financial years ending in March are tabulated below.
England Scotland 1965/6 9.21 10.80 1966/7 9.26 11.60 1967/8 9.12 11.63 1968/9 9.65 11.80 1969/70 9.33 11.71 1970/71 9.05 11.70 1971/2 8.77 11.79 1972/3 8.20 10.61 1973/4 7.99 9.67 1974/5 8.90 10.26 1975/6 11.21 12.26 These figures reflect differences in the patterns and levels of consumption as well as variations in tariffs. We have not, therefore, attempted to make any estimates on a comparable basis of the effects of the proposed tariff changes. However, tariffs in Scotland would, under the proposals, be identical with those in operation in five of the 10 English regions.