§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will estimate the average change in prices for(a) gas and (b) electricity to the average consumer in Shrewsbury and Atcham since May 1997; and if he will make a statement. [156501]
§ Mr. HainAverage annual domestic bills1 for customers paying by quarterly credit for (a) gas and (b) electricity in cash terms in the West Midlands region2 for 1997 and 2000 are as follows:
1997 20003 Difference4 Gas5 £329 £297 -10 Electricity6 £283 £245 -13 1 Averages are weighted by customer numbers and based on all companies operating in the region. 2Figures are those for the Midlands Electricity distribution area and the West Midlands Transco distribution zone. 3Provisional. 4Per cent. change. 5Annual consumption level of 18,000kWh has been assumed. 6An annual consumption level of 3,300kWh has been assumed. Customers with electric central heating are likely to consume considerably more electricity Average bills on a regional basis have been published annually since 1999 in the Department's annual "Digest of UK Energy Statistics" and in the "Energy Report".