HC Deb 28 July 1927 vol 209 cc1452-3
65. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received any representation from the Corporation of Glasgow to be allowed to continue the present price of gas; if so, what decision he has arrived at; and when the power to change the present price by the corporation expires?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Officials of the Glasgow Corporation have asked the Board if, in view of the fact that the corporation reads meters continuously instead of quarterly, they would consider making an Order empowering the Corporation to continue to certain consumers the present price of gas until the meter reading next after 31st December, 1927. It was suggested that those consumers whose meters were read late would not, without such an Order, pay the same increased rate of charge as is paid by those consumers whose meters were read immediately after the increased charge was authorised, and that the proposal, if accepted by the corporation and authorised by the Board, would spread the increased charge fairly among all consumer. No application for an Order has yet been received, and no decision has, therefore, been reached. The Board are prepared to consider an application, if made. Under the corporation's present powers the existing price may be continued to 31st December, 1927.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction in the City of Glasgow with the corporation's method of dealing with this problem, and will he refuse the corporation the powers sought?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I think that the way in which the corporation deal with a matter under their control—namely, whether they read their meters continuously or quarterly—is a matter of local government, in which it would be most improper for me to interfere with their discretion.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Would the right hon. Gentleman instruct the Corporation of Glasgow to inquire of the neighbouring township of Kirkintilloch how they can produce gas at half the price charged in Glasgow?

Mr. SPEAKER

I think Glasgow is supposed to be self-governed.