§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the take-up rate in the electricity discount scheme in 1976–77, and so far in 1977–78; how much was spent on advertising and publicising the scheme in 1976–77; and what is planned for in respect of 1977–78.
§ Mr. EadieSome 1.6 million people received the discount in 1977—nearly 70 per cent. of those estimated to be able to claim. Publicity for the 1977 scheme cost just under £100,000. A provision of £250,000 has been made for 1978 to cover more frequent Press advertising and wider distribution of the explanatory literature
We expect a higher take-up this year, but the scheme has only just started and no figures will be available for at least a month.