§ 32. Colonel BURNasked the President of the Board of Trade if he proposes to sanction the attempt that is being made by the gas companies to abrogate the sliding scale which has been in practice since 1875 and by means of which, during a period of high prices, the increase of cost has been divided between the company and the consumer, seeing that this change will enable the companies to pay an increased pre-war dividend entirely at the expense of the consumer?
Sir A. STANLEYThis subject is now under consideration by a Select Committee of the House, and until the Committee have reported I am not in a position to make any statement in the matter.
§ Colonel BURNHow long will it be delayed?
§ Mr. SPEAKERHe cannot say. The right hon. Gentleman is not responsible.