Written question asked by Roger Casale (Labour) on Monday, 24 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 31 January 2005. It was answered by Phil Hope (Labour) on Monday, 31 January 2005 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how he intends that the standard assessment procedure rating system shall adapt to changes in the relative prices of different fuels.

Answer: Roger Casale: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how he intends that the standard assessment procedure rating system shall adapt to changes in the relative prices of different fuels. [211422] Phil Hope: The fuel prices used in the Standard Assessment Procedure are reviewed at intervals of between three and five years. When a review is made the price of each fuel is averaged over the preceding three- year period in order to smooth out short-term fluctuations. The intention is for Standard Assessment Procedure ratings to reflect trends in the relative prices of different fuels, rather than day-day variations, so as to provide a stable system.

Secondary information