§ Sir John StanleyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the increase or decrease in real terms since privatisation in the price of(a) gas, (b) electricity and (c) telephone calls. [21492]
§ Mr. PageBetween privatisation in quarter four 1986 and quarter four 1996 average UK industrial gas prices have fallen by 59 per cent. in real terms and real domestic prices, including VAT, by 20½ per cent, whilst between privatisation in quarter two 1990 and quarter four 1996 average UK industrial electricity prices have fallen by 17 per cent. in real terms and real domestic prices, including VAT, by 5 per cent. Since privatisation in November 1984 real overall telecom prices have fallen by around 45 per cent.