§ Mr. Lesterasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the cost of standing charge concessions for small consumptions of gas and electricity.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe industries estimate the annual cost of limiting standing charges to a maximum of 50 per cent. of consumers bills at around £16 million for electricity and £20 million for gas.
§ Mr. Lesterasked the Secretary of State for Energy how many consumers are being assisted by the standing charges concessions; and what is the estimated proportion on low incomes or on pensions.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithPrecise figures are not available. It is estimated that about 1 million gas consumers and 2 million electricity consumers stand to benefit from the schemes to limit standing charges in small bills, about half of whom should be pensioners.
§ Mr. Lesterasked the Secretary of State for Energy how the cost of the standing charge concessions is being met and by whom.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithIt is a matter for the British Gas Corporation and individual area electricity boards how they meet the cost of the concession.
§ Mr. Higginsasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether the South-Eastern electricity board remains among those which have not limited the standing charge component of all bills to 50 per cent.; and what action he has taken to ensure that treatment comparable with other boards is afforded to customers of the south-eastern board.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI refer my hon. Friend to my reply on 12 July 1983 to the hon. Member for Knowsley, North (Mr. Kilroy-Silk)—[Vol. 45, c.323.] My right hon. Friend does not have the power to compel the south eastern board to fall into line with other boards on this issue; the arrangements for the standing charge rebate are a matter within the board's own responsibility.