§ Dr. HampsonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade to what extent the prices for electricity and gas have fallen for industrial users since the privatisation of these industries; and how average prices compare with those in other EU countries. [14595]
§ Mr. PageBetween privatisation in quarter four 1986 and quarter three 1996, average UK industrial gas prices have fallen by 59 per cent. in real terms, whilst between privatisation in quarter two 1990 and quarter three 1996, average UK industrial electricity prices have fallen by 15 per cent. in real terms.
In 1995, the latest year for which comprehensive data are available, UK industrial gas prices were the lowest in the European Union, an improvement from sixth lowest in 1990. Electricity prices were in the mid range of prices—seventh lowest—an improvement on 10th lowest in 1990.