Written question asked by Paul Marsden (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 April 2001. It was answered by Lord Hain (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 April 2001 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To 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. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Paul Marsden: To 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. Hain: Average annual domestic bills{1} for customers paying by quarterly credit for (a) gas and (b) electricity in cash terms in the West Midlands region{2} for 1997 and 2000 are as follows: _________________________________________________________________________________________________. 1997 2000{ 3} Difference{ 4} Gas{5} £329 £297 -10 Electricity{6} £283 £245 -13 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. {1} Averages are weighted by customer numbers and based on all companies operating in the region. {2} Figures are those for the Midlands Electricity distribution area and the West Midlands Transco distribution zone. {3} Provisional. {4} Per cent. change. {5} Annual consumption level of 18,000kWh has been assumed. {6} An 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".

Secondary information