§ 28. Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Transport whether he will give particulars of the number of applications which have been made by any of the local authorities asking for the revision of the maximum prices which may be charged for electricity in their boroughs; and what action he has taken?
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)The general provisions under which applications can be made to me for a revision of the maximum prices charged for electricity are contained in the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1922. Since the passing of that Act, 21 such applications affecting 19 undertakings, or parts of undertakings, have been made by local authorities. In 13 of these cases I have made Orders fixing reduced maximum prices; in five cases applications are in abeyance pending local negotiations with a view to settlement, and in the remaining case an Inquiry is pending.
§ Mr. DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the inquiry he promised into the whole of these charges, and which he mentioned last week, has yet started?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI never promised a general inquiry into the whole of the charges. What I think the hon. Member has in mind is the Wandsworth case, in which an inquiry has been fixed, and the people who are to conduct the inquiry have been nominated.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs it not a fact that the question relates to Regulations under the 1926 Act?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, I am dealing with the Act of 1922.
§ Mr. DAYCan the Minister state when the inquiry which was promised with regard to Wandsworth will begin?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo; I am in communication with the local authorities to see what is a convenient date.