Written question asked by John Stanley (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 21 March 1997. It was answered by Richard Page (Conservative) on Friday, 21 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: What has been the increase or decrease in real terms since privatisation in the price of (a) gas, (b) electricity and (c) telephone calls. - Figs given.

Answer: Sir John Stanley: To 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. Page: Between 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 20 1/2 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.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 21492; 292 c1010W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Fees and charges Energy Electricity Privatisation Natural gas Prices Telephones
Contains statistics: Yes