Written question asked by Alan Simpson (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 November 1997, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 12 December 1997. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Friday, 12 December 1997 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what estimate he has made of the amount of extra energy which pensioners will be able to purchase (a) this winter and (b) next winter on receipt of the extra (i) £20 and (ii) £50 allocated in the pre-budget statement; and what estimate he has made of the impact on carbon emissions.

Answer: Mr. Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the amount of extra energy which pensioners will be able to purchase (a) this winter and (b) next winter on receipt of the extra (i) £20 and (ii) £50 allocated in the pre-budget statement; and what estimate he has made of the impact on carbon emissions. [18545] Mr. Battle: I have been asked to reply. It is not practicable to provide an estimate as it is unclear that all money will be spent on additional heating, in practice many pensioners will use this money to reduce existing fuel bills.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 18545; 302 c730W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Consumption Air pollution Carbon dioxide Heating Fuels Pensioners Natural gas Social security benefits