HC Deb 26 June 1922 vol 155 cc1656-7
53. Sir JAMES REMNANT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether, under the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1919, the salaries of the Electricity Commissioners, their staff, office and other expenses, have to be paid by the authorised undertakers supplying electricity throughout the country; what these salaries and expenses for the year 1921 amounted to; and whether he is aware that a compulsory levy is now being made on the undertakers to recover them?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Mr. Neal)

The answers to the first and third parts of the question are in the affirmative. The net cost of the Electricity Commissioners in the financial year 1921–22 is, approximately, £40,000.

Sir J. REMNANT

is the hon. Gentleman aware that since the introduction of this Bill something like £250,000 has been spent by the Electricity Commissioners, which is charged to the authorised electricity authorities throughout the country; and, if that is so, how can he expect, with these expenses being piled on them, that they can reduce the price of electricity?

Mr. NEAL

I cannot accept those figures.

Sir J. REMNANT

I can tell the hon. Gentleman that they are absolutely correct.

54. Sir J. REMNANT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport what was the cost to the authorised undertakers supplying electricity in the proposed London and Home Counties Electricity District of the inquiry held by the Electricity Commissioners in June and July last, with reference to schemes for the establishment of such an electricity district; and what, has been the result of that inquiry?

Mr. NEAL

I understand that the Electricity Commissioners have no information as to the cost incurred by the authorised undertakers of the public inquiry in question. As the result of the inquiry, the Commissioners issued in December last a statement of their decisions, which was circulated to all interested parties, and are now engaged upon the preparation of a draft special Order.

Sir J. REMNANT

Is it not a fact that the cost of the London inquiry has been definitely fixed, and that levies have been made on the authorised undertakers for repayment?

Mr. NEAL

No, Sir, certainly not.