Domestic Gas Charges

Oral Answers to Questions — Energy – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 4 July 1983.

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Photo of Mr Jeff Rooker Mr Jeff Rooker , Birmingham, Perry Barr 12:00, 4 July 1983

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the average domestic quarterly standing charge for gas at the latest convenient date; and how this compares with 1979.

Photo of Mr Alick Buchanan-Smith Mr Alick Buchanan-Smith , Kincardine and Deeside

The average domestic quarterly standing charge for gas is at present £9.46; in June 1979 it was £1.91, but, as a result of changes in the tariff structure, the two figures are not directly comparable.

Photo of Mr Jeff Rooker Mr Jeff Rooker , Birmingham, Perry Barr

Will the Minister assure the House and gas consumers that, unlike the previous Parliament, there will be no tax on gas in this Parliament?

Photo of Mr Alick Buchanan-Smith Mr Alick Buchanan-Smith , Kincardine and Deeside

Certain planned increases in the price of gas took place over three years. That process has now been completed and in the corning year we would not expect increases to be more than the rate of inflation.