2 Rate of levy.
(1)
The rate of gas levy shall be—
(a)
for the year 1980-81, one penny per therm;
(b)
for the year 1981-82, three pence per therm; and
(c)
for the year 1982-83, five pence per therm.
(2)
The Secretary of State may by order, made with the consent of the Treasury, specify rates of levy for the years mentioned in subsection (1) above different from those specified in that subsection.
(3)
Subject to subsection (4) below, the rate of levy for any year subsequent to the year 1982-83 shall be specified by order made by the Secretary of State with the consent of the Treasury.
(4)
If no rate is specified for any such year, the rate of levy for that year shall be the same as the rate for the preceding year.
F1(4A)
The rate of levy may be specified by reference to either therms or gigajoules, provided that the rate for any year subsequent to the year 1998—1999 shall be specified in gigajoules.
(5)
The powers to make orders conferred by this section shall be exercisable by statutory instrument.
(6)
No such order shall be made unless a draft of the order has been laid before and approved by a resolution of the House of Commons.