§ 28. Sir F. LOWEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that certain electric lighting companies are increasing the charge made for the supply of electricity to consumers in order to compensate themselves for the loss occasioned to them by the operation of the Summer Time Act; and whether he proposes to take any action, by legislation or otherwise, to prevent this attempt to defeat the objects for which the Act was passed?
Mr. HARCOURTI am aware that certain electric lighting companies, as well as local authorities, are increasing their charges to consumers, and that the operation of the Summer Time Act is given as one of the reasons for the increase. The Acts and Orders authorising the supply of electric light fix the maximum charges which may be made to consumers, and undertakers are acting within their statutory powers in increasing their prices so long as the prescribed maximum is not exceeded. The chief object of the Summer Time Act was to effect economy in the use of coal by public utility bodies, and I do not see my way to promote legislation to prevent electric lighting undertakers from increasing their prices for current actually used to compensate them for the reduced consumption.
§ Sir F. LOWEWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake to see that the increased 513 charge is not continued during that portion of the year when the Summer Time Act will not be in operation?