HC Deb 02 March 1931 vol 249 cc33-4
73. Mr. WEST (for Miss WILKINSON)

asked the Minister of Transport the average rate per unit for power and light charged to householders in the London area by municipal undertakings and private companies, respectively; and whether he will take steps to compel the private companies to reduce their charges to the municipal level?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

The returns for 1929–30 show that the average revenue per unit sold by the electricity undertakings in the Administrative County of London was as follows:

— Lighting and Domestic Supplies. Power.
Municipal Undertakings. From 4.26d. to 1.30d. with a general average of 2.16d. From 1.46d. to 0.75d. with a general average of 1.05d.
Company Undertakings. From 5.15d. to 2.36d. with a general average of 3.29d. From 1.59d. to 0.89d. with a general average of 1.12d.

With regard to the latter part of the question, my hon. Friend is no doubt aware that the London companies are subject to a sliding scale of price and dividend which was approved by Parliament in 1925, and which provides for the fixation of new standard prices to apply after the end of this year.

Mr. WEST

Am I to understand that company prices are just 50 per cent. above the prices of local authorities?

Mr. MORRISON

I have not worked it out on that basis, but the figures indicate that they are above municipal prices.