HC Deb 12 February 1998 vol 306 cc395-6W
Mr. Levitt

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will take steps to abolish standing charges on domestic energy supplies and telephones. [29168]

Mr. Nigel Griffiths

Some electricity and gas supply tariffs have no standing charges. These tariffs may be particularly attractive to small users, many of whom will be pensioners or those on low incomes. However, the structure of tariffs on energy supplies and telephones is a commercial matter for the companies concerned. Where competition has developed in these industries, consumers have been offered a wider choice of tariffs.