§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Prime Minister what are the latest estimates of the average weekly cost to senior citizens for heating and lighting in each region of Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorI have been asked to reply.
Estimates on expenditure on fuel, light and power for households whose heads were women aged over 60 or men over 65 for Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland are shown in the table. Data are not available for the regions of Scotland. The estimates are based on two years' results from the 1988 and 1989 family expenditure surveys.
Average weekly expenditure on fuel, light and power for households with heads of pensionable age 1988 and 1989 £ week United Kingdom 8.7 Scotland 9.2 Wales 9.7 Northern Ireland 13.4 England 8.6 North 8.5 Yorkshire and Humberside 8.6 North West 8.4 East Midlands 8.7 West Midlands 8.7 East Anglia 9.1 South East total 8.3 Greater London 7.6 Rest of South East 8.6 South West 9.4 Source: Family Expenditure Survey.