HC Deb 25 May 1979 vol 967 cc281-2W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many electricity consumers have so far claimed discounts under the current scheme; at what total cost; what has been the average discount; and how these figures compare with those at the same period of 1978.

Mr. Norman Lamont

On the latest figures available, some 1.76 million consumers in England and Wales have so far claimed the discount, at a total cost of £13.35 million. The discount has averaged £7.58. The equivalent figures for the same period of 1978 when

data provided by the petroleum industry and assume for the purpose of the answer that heavier grades fall into a category of 34° API and below and lighter grades into a category higher than 34° API. In addition to there being wide differences in API within the two categories, there are also significant quality differences between oils of similar specific gravities. Direct comparisons between quantities imported and exported are not therefore possible.

recipients of rate or rent rebate or rent allowance were not eligible for the discount were 0.53 million, £3.76 million and £7.09.