HC Deb 14 March 1978 vol 946 cc162-3W
72. Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the price of domestic gas in 1974, 1975, 1976 and 1977; and if he will express the variation in each year as a percentage of the previous year.

Dr. John Cunningham

The price of gas to the domestic consumer depends upon the tariffs of the British Gas Cor

TYPICAL RETAIL PRICE* AND INCREASE OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR† OF GAS IN CERTAIN LARGE TOWNS AT SELECTED CONSUMPTIONS (GREAT BRITAIN, 1974–77)
Pence per Therm and percentage year
Annual consumption:
80 Therms
1974 1975 1976 1977
Aberdeen (Scottish Region)‡ 23.4 27.2 28.1 29.3
2.9% 16.0% 3.3% 4.3%
Birmingham (West Midlands Region) 15.2 20.2 22.1 23.8
5.3% 32.9% 9.4% 7.7%
Cardiff (Wales Region) 25.1 27.2 28.1 29.3
7.5% 8.4% 3.3% 4.3%
Ipswich (Eastern Region) 20.9 25.7 27.6 29.3
7.5% 22.8% 7.4% 6.2%
London (North Thames Region) 20.4 25.7 27.6 29.3
7.5% 25.8% 7.4% 6.2%
Plymouth (South Western Region) 24.0 27.2 28.1 29.3
7.5% 13.5% 3.3% 4.3%
400 Therms
1974 1975 1976 1977
Aberdeen (Scottish Region)‡ 15.0 17.7 19.6 21.2
7.5% 18.4% 10.7% 8.8%
Birmingham (West Midlands Region) 10.7 14.7 16.6 18.9
7.4% 37.3% 12.9% 13.7%
Cardiff (Wales Region) 13.8 17.7 19.6 21.2
7.5% 28.1% 10.7% 8.2%
Ipswich (Eastern Region) 13.5 17.7 19.6 21.2
7.5% 30.7% 10.7% 8.2%
London (North Thames Region) 13.4 17.7 19.6 21.2
7.5% 32.4% 10.7% 8.2%
Plymouth (South Western Region) 13.8 17.7 19.6 21.2
7.5% 28.1% 10.7% 8.2%
1,200 Therms
1974 1975 1976 1977
Aberdeen (Scottish Region) 10.9 140 15.9 17.3
7.5% 28.6% 13.5% 8.4%
Birmingham (West Midlands Region) 8.3 12.7 14.6 16.5
7.4% 53.6% 15.0% 12.9%
Cardiff (Wales Region) 9.8 14.0 15.9 17.3
7.5% 43.5% 13.5% 8.4%
Ipswich (Eastern Region) 9.4 14.0 15.9 17.3
7.5% 49.1% 13.5% 8.4%
London (North Thames Region) 9.4 14.0 15.9 17.3
7.5% 50.1% 13.5% 8.4%
Plymouth (South Western Region) 9.8 14.0 15.9 17.3
7.5% 43.5% 13.5% 8.4%
* Based upon the tariff in force for December in the year shown.
† Shown immediately below the relevant price figure.
‡ Aberdeen was converted from town to natural gas by December 1975. December 1974 prices are those for town gas supplies. Natural gas prices are shown for other towns.