GAS (THERMAL UNIT CHARGES). (Hansard, 11 December 1922)

§ 1 . Mr. GILBERT
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet appointed a Committee to inquire into the charges made by London gas companies for the present supply of gas by the method of the therm; can he state the names of the members of the Committee and what is its reference; and, in view of the general complaint from gas consumers, if they are in any way represented on the Committee, and by whom?

§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME
Yes, Sir, and I stated the names of the members of the Committee on the 30th November, in reply to the hon. Member for the Yatdley Division of Birmingham (Mr. Jephcott). The terms of reference are "to inquire and report as to the method of charging for gas on a thermal basis." All the members may, I think, be considered as representing the interests of gas consumers.

§ Mr. GILBERT
Will the right hon. Gentleman consider appointing a member of the London County Council on this Committee, as representing the consumers?

§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME
No, Sir; the Committee is already appointed and is anxious to start its work. There is on the Committee Mr. Arthur Balfour, who is well known. He comes from the city of Sheffield, which, I think, is the only city that has its gas consumers organised in one single union.

§ Mr. GILBERT
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware there are several gas companies supplying London, and that varying charges are made by the different companies; also that there is a great deal of feeling in London against charging by the therm. We should consider it a very 2346 friendly act if a member of the London County Council were placed on the Committee.

§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME
If I did that, I might be asked to appoint representatives of every single authority, great and small. I have tried to appoint a Committee which I think very strong but small and really representative of the consumer. I hope the London County Council will give evidence before the Committee.

§ Mr. HARDIE
Has the right hon. Gentleman considered that large seams of coal differ in their therm value, and could not therefore some investigation be made into the class of coal used for making gas?

§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAME
No doubt the Committee will consider that, if it be relevant to the discussion.