§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will compare the percentage of household costs for a couple on retirement pension with gas as a sole means of energy (a) at the present time, (b) three years previously, (c) two years previously and (d) one year previously.
§ Mr. John MooreInformation on household expenditure by those using natural gas as the sole means of energy is not available. The percentage of household costs for a couple whose only source of income is the flat rate state pension and who consume sufficient gas for cooking facilities and a main living room fire (i.e. 280 therms per annum) has remained relatively stable over the period in question. It is(a) 4.9 per cent. at the present time, (b) 4.1 per cent. in April 1979, (c) 4.3 per cent. in April 1980 and (d) 4.3 per cent. in April 1981.