HC Deb 29 April 1918 vol 105 cc1267-8
6. Mr. GILBERT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the new Order restricting the supply of gas, he can state in what manner it is proposed to apply the restriction to consumers who are supplied by slot-meters; is it proposed to alter these meters so that only a minimum quantity of gas will be supplied each week; if not, as there are no registers on these meters, will he state how the consumers can know what quantity of gas they are consuming or compare it with any previous consumption; and whether, in view of the number of these meter consumers in the London area and the high price they pay for the gas they consume, he can see his way to exclude all slot-meter consumers from the new Regulations?

Sir A. STANLEY

I am not aware that there is any necessity for an alteration in slot-meters to enable consumers using them to comply with the Order, under which all classes of consumers are treated alike. If any slot-meter consumer is in doubt as to his quarterly consumption in 1916 or 1917 he can obtain this information from the company giving the supply, and can estimate the average weekly rate to which he is entitled. Owing to the large number of such consumers, it would be impossible to achieve the object of the Order—namely, a reduction of at least one-sixth in gas consumptio— if they were excluded from its operation. The price charged for gas is by Statute the same for prepayment as for ordinary consumers.

Mr. ROWLANDS

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in the case of those consumers by slot-meter who have to depend upon their slot-meter for cooking purposes, he would be prepared to supply them with extra coal to make up for it?

Sir A. STANLEY

In dealing with the coal rations for London, it has been arranged that consideration will be given to those using gas as well as coal.

Colonel W. THORNE

Will the right hon. Gentleman guarantee the same calorific power—it makes all the difference in the world?

Sir A. STANLEY

I am afraid we cannot do that any more than we can guarantee to the gas companies that they will be able invariably to secure all the coal that they require.

Mr. G. TERRELL

To whom should application be made?

Sir A. STANLEY

Application should be made direct to the undertaking.

Colonel THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if the calorific power is below what it should be it takes a great deal more gas to boil a kettle?

Sir A. STANLEY

I cannot answer as to that.