HC Deb 17 July 1929 vol 230 c437
66. Mr. HARDIE

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that through the working of the Electricity Act, 1926, in bringing the inefficient plant belonging to private enterprise into an efficient state, the cost is borne by the consumer; and whether he proposes amending legislation to protect the consumer?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

If, as I assume, my hon. Friend is referring to the supply of new equipment in connection with the change of frequency, I would point out that the cost of the changeover is being defrayed by the electrical industry as a whole and not be individual consumers.

Mr. HARDIE

Is not the hon. Member aware that all these costs are borne by the charge that is ultimately put on to the consumer?

Mr. MORRISON

The costs involved are spread over the whole electricity supply industry. It is true that this is one of the costs of generation and is a factor in price.

Mr. HARDIE

Is not the hon. Member aware that the bringing of an inefficient private enterprise up-to-date is not part of the cost of production, and that we understood that the Act was passed in order to provide cheap current to the consumers, and that that has not come about?