§ Mrs. McElhoneasked the Secretary of State for Energy when it is expected that the scheme by which retirement pensioners are charged no more for standing charges than half the total of the bill will be fully implemented.
§ Mr. GrayThe scheme applies to all domestic consumers. The British Gas Corporation is adopting the scheme for bills based on meter readings on or after 28 February. Area electricity boards in England and Wales are already applying the scheme though, in one case, the rebate to small consumers is up to half the value of the standing charge.
Matters concerning the Scottish electricity boards are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, but I understand that the Scottish boards intend to introduce similar measures.