§ 58 and 67. Mr. MATHERSasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he is aware that the agreed maximum price of 4s. 9d. per 1,000 cubic feet to which the Edinburgh Corporation gas department is limited in making supplies to the South Queensferry and Kirkliston district is being exceeded by the Caledonian Gas Corporation, Limited, who are demanding 5s. per 1,000 cubic feet in Broxburn for gas delivered in bulk by the Edinburgh Corporation gas department at 1s. 11d. per 1,000 cubic feet; and whether he will take action to prevent this overcharge;
(2) what steps he intends to take to secure relief to the users of gas in Broxburn, West Lothian, who have received intimation of an increase in price to 5s. per 1,000 cubic feet in respect of gas provided in bulk by the Edinburgh Corporation gas department at 1s. 11d. per 1,000 cubic feet?
The PRESIDENTof the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman): The Broxburn Gas Company does not supply gas under statutory powers, and I have no power to control its selling price.
§ the import duty on foreign potatoes in March last, and the average quantity imported in each of the months that have since elapsed?
§ Sir G. COLLINSAs the reply involves a tabular statement of figures I will, with the Noble Lady's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Particulars for June are not yet available.
§ Following is the statement:
§ Mr. MATHERSIs it not even possible for the right hon. Gentleman to indicate from his office the dissatisfaction that is felt at the high price charged there in comparison with the price with which he has associated himself in the neighbourhood?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANAs I have no power to intervene, I cannot think that any useful purpose would come from my protesting.