§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will take steps to require electricity area boards to align tariff prices.
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§ Mr. MellorConsiderable progress has been made over recent years in harmonising the structure of area board tariffs. Individual tariffs will, however, continue to reflect differences in area board costs.
§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Energy what percentage of (a) the total income and (b) the income from domestic consumers for (i) the electricity industry and (ii) the gas industry is represented by standing charges; how much is recovered from standing charges in each case; and what would be the percentage increase in charges if the income at present raised by standing charges was instead raised by across the board increases in charges for the supply of electricity and gas.
§ Mr. MellorI am asking the chairmen of the British Gas Corporation and the Electricity Council to write to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Energy if, in view of the concern felt by pensioners and others on small incomes at the high level of standing charges for gas and electricity, he will take steps to ensure that their views are taken fully into account in his review of such changes.
§ Mr. MellorThe level of tariffs, including standing charges, is determined under statute by the industries in consultation with their consumer councils. However, my discussions with the industries and the consumer councils have taken into account the views and position of consumers on small incomes, as did the measures referred to in my answer to the hon. Member for Cannock (Mr. Roberts) on 20 October.—[Vol. 29, c.132.]