§ Mr. BettsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the average weekly expenditure in 1997–98 and 1996–97 of(a) all households, (b) families with children, (c) non-retired households and (d) retired households, on domestic fuel, showing separately for 1995–96 the extra expenditure as a result of VAT at 17.5 per cent.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-Amory[holding answer 2 November 1994]The table shows figures for 1993 based on the family expenditure survey, the most recent data available. Making projections for 1996–97 and 1997–98 would require hypothetical assumptions on the development of earnings, the distribution of income between household types and future energy prices.
Average weekly expenditure 1993 £ Extra expenditure from 17½ per cent. VAT £ All households 13.24 1.81 Families with children 15.25 2.08 Non retired households 13.40 1.83 Retired households 11.03 1.51