Written question asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Conservative) on Monday, 6 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 December 2004. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Thursday, 9 December 2004 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 she will make a statement on the implications for (a) household consumers and (b) industrial users of the change in the price of (i) electricity and (ii) gas since 1997. (Failed OPQ). - Inc figure.

Answer: Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the implications for (a) household consumers and (b) industrial users of the change in the price of (i) electricity and (ii) gas since 1997. [203427] Mr. Mike O'Brien: Domestic electricity prices at the end of 2004 will still be about 10 per cent. below the 1997 level in real terms, and domestic gas price increases this year will mean prices return to around their 1997 levels in real terms. Industrial electricity prices in 2004 are also still below their 1997 levels. Industrial gas prices in 2003 were already above 1997 levels, but even with the increases in 2004, they are still likely to be below the average over the last 30 years.

Secondary information