§ Mr. Andrew Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will estimate the revenue forgone by fuel boards through the rebate on standing charges for low users since its introduction; and what will be the impact of the increase in fuel charges in the current year on the rebate scheme.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe electricity and gas industries have operated standing charge rebate schemes since early 1983. I understand that revenue forgone in the last financial year as a result of the schemes was £42 million in the case of the British Gas Corporation, while the latest estimate for the electricity supply industry in England and Wales is £15 million. Standing charges have not been increased since the schemes were introduced, and it seems unlikely that the cost of the schemes has been significantly affected by changes in electricity and gas unit charges.