Electricity Prices (Hansard, 10 April 1989)

§ 36. Mr. Fatchett
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his latest estimate of the impact on the retail prices index of the 1989–90 increases in domestc electricity prices.

§ Mr. Michael Spicer
The reported average increase of 6.4 per cent. in domestic electricity prices will add one sixth of 1 per cent. to the retail price index.

§ 49. Mrs. Fyfe
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his latest estimate of where domestic electricity prices in(a) England and Wales and (b) Scotland will stand in 1989–90 in the league table of such prices in the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development countries.

§ Mr. Michael Spicer
The Electricity Council undertakes an annual survey of electricity prices in 20 countries. This includes domestic electricity prices. On the basis of the latest comparison at 1 July 1988, prices in England and Wales were in the mid-range of domestic prices in the developed world generally. Domestic prices in Scotland are slightly lower than those in England and Wales.
333W
On current projections of international prices, the United Kingdom will remain in the mid-range of prices after the 1989 tariff revision.

§ 55. Mr. Moss
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what were the changes in real terms of(a) domestic and (b) industrial prices between the periods 1974 to 1979 and 1983 to 1988; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Michael Spicer
In the last five years of Labour Government, between May 1974 and May 1979, domestic electricity prices rose by 9 per cent. and industrial prices by 6 per cent. in real terms.
In the last five years of Conservative Government, between December 1983 and December 1988, domestic electricity prices fell by 9 per cent. and industrial prices by 12 per cent. in real terms.