§ 1. Mr. ROWLANDSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that many people have been economising in the use of gas and electricity since the beginning of 1916; and, in those cases, will he arrange for the year 1915 to be taken, as the year for comparison?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Wardle)I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which was given to a question by the hon. Member for the Wimbledon Division on the 12th instant. In allowing consumers to take the year 1916 or 1917 as the basis for comparison, the Order goes as far as is practicable to meet the cases referred to, having regard to the exigencies of the situation.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSDo I understand that they can take the year 1915 in cases of hardship?
§ Mr. WARDLENo.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSIf I supply my hon. Friend with the information, he will see the hardship that is done.
§ Mr. WARDLEThe answer is "No; the consumer may take the corresponding quarter either of 1916 or 1917." If my hon. Friend will read the answer to which I have referred him, he will find the reply.
§ 3. Mr. GILBERTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that certain gas companies in London, with a view of reducing consumption of gas, are suggesting to consumers with slot meters that they shall be limited to 1s. worth of gas per week; and, as this kind of consumer are largely tenement occupiers in working class districts in London, and use gas both for lighting and cooking purposes, and that this quantity is quite inadequate for such household use, whether he can see his way to instruct the gas companies to allow a larger amount per week to all holders of slot gas-meters?
§ Mr. WARDLEMy right hon. Friend regrets that he does not see his way, owing 656 to the necessity which he has already explained to the House, of a substantial reduction in the consumption of gas, to-modify the minimum allowance specified in the Schedule to the Lighting, Heating, and Power Order, 1918.
§ Mr. ROWLANDSIs the hon. Gentleman aware, in the case of a number of persons who have had gas stoves put in, that the restriction makes it quite impossible for them to cook their food, that they will have to resort to an extra supply of coal, that they are out of an adequate supply of coal, and that they cannot get supplies?
§ Mr. WARDLEIf my hon. Friend will let me have a case I will have inquiries made.