§ 31. Mr. MANDERasked the Minister of Transport what steps are being taken, by unification, amalgamation, or co-ordination of electricity distribution companies throughout the country, to see that the benefits of the grid system result in the supply of cheap electricity at a uniform rate to consumers?
§ Captain A. HUDSONThe savings which electricity supply undertakers make as a result of obtaining their supplies from the grid will, as they accrue, be taken into account by them in fixing prices, and my right hon. Friend would have regard to such savings in considering any applications which he might receive for a revision of the existing maximum charges. In a number of the scheme areas the grid system has only recently come into full operation.
§ Mr. MANDERIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is a great deal of dissatisfaction throughout the country at the failure of the grid system so far to produce cheap electricity; and will he take steps to hasten the matter?
§ Captain HUDSONI agree with the hon. Gentleman that much still remains to be done to get uniformity.
§ Mr. LOUIS SMITHWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman take into careful consideration the desirability, in some of the less populated districts, of adopting smaller units rather than these large stations, and adopting the oil engine as the unit in those cases?
§ Captain HUDSONThat is a separate question, and ought to be put on the Paper.