asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many domestic consumers would no longer receive quarterly gas bills in which the standing charge element is greater than the cost of the units consumed if British Gas implements a scheme similar to that recommended by the Electricity Council to area boards for the reduction of standing charges to small users; and, of this number, what proportion are pensioners.

The British Gas Corporation has announced that it will limit standing charges to not more than half of a domestic consumer's total bill. I am advised by BGC that about 1 million consumers will benefit, about half of whom are pensioners.

asked the Secretary of State for Energy how many domestic consumers will no longer receive quarterly electricity bills in which the standing charge element is greater than the cost of the units consumed as a result of the Electricity Council's recommendation to area boards on the reduction of standing charges to small users; and, of this number, what proportion are pensioners.

I am advised by the Electricity Council that about 2 million consumers—about half of whom would be pensioners—are expected to benefit.