§ Mr. Allen McKayTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will estimate the effect on the retail prices index of the average 8.5 per cent. electricity price increase assumed by Her Majesty's Government for 1988–89; and what is his estimate of the effect on the cost of living of low-income households, in particular.
§ Mr. LeeAn average increase of 8.5 per cent. in the price of electricity would currently increase the Retail Price Idex by about 0.25 per cent.
I have no estimate of the effect on the cost of living for low-income households.