§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will take steps to review the question of standing charges levied on customers by the gas and electricity boards with a view to (a) reducing them, (b) abolishing them for certain categories of user or (c) allowing a basic consumption of units at a reduced rate or free of charge.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe level of gas and electricity standing charges has been reviewed by independent consultants. Copies of the reports are in the Library of the House. The industries will be taking account of these reports in any tariff revisions.
Following proposals from the Government, the industries have already taken action to limit standing charges in smaller bills and a large number of consumers are benefiting from this.