§ 21. Mr. W. H. Greenasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has decided to introduce legislation to implement the findings of the Joint Committee on Gas Prices; and, if so, when such legislation is likely to be introduced into the House?
Mr. StanleyI have now considered the observations of the local authorities and the gas industry on this report, and it is clear that legislation based on it would be controversial. The matter is still under consideration, but I can hold out no hope that time will be found for such legislation in the near future.
§ Mr. GreenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the cost of gas to consumers in London has been raised twice since this committee sat, whereas electricity companies have in the main reduced their charges in the same period?
Mr. StanleyMy answer was directed to the possibility of introducing legislation, and in view of the congested state of the programme, and the fact that in almost every week, days have to be found for matters other than legislation, I cannot make any promise about legislation.