HC Deb 07 February 1940 vol 357 cc204-5
41. Mr. Duncan

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the further representations of the hon. Member for North Kensington regarding the excessive increased charges for electricity, particularly under the standing charge part of the two-part tariff, imposed by the Notting Hill Electric Lighting Company; and whether he can now say that he will use his powers under the Defence Regulations to see that they are reduced?

The Minister of Transport (Captain Wallace)

I have asked the Electricity Commissioners to let me have, as soon as possible, a full report on the increased charges by this company. On the general question, I am advised that I have adequate powers under the Defence (General) Regulations to control the prices at which electricity may be sold during the war. On the information before me, I do not think it is necessary at present to issue any general order or direction under the Defence Regulations to modify the present statutory discretion of electricity undertakers to adjust their actual tariffs within the limits of their authorised maximum prices, so far as reasonably necessary on account of the effect of war conditions upon their undertakings. If, however, it should be shown to my satisfaction in any individual case that prices have been raised to an undue extent, even within the limits of the authorised maxima, I should not hesitate to have recourse to my powers under the Defence Regulations to ensure that an unjustified burden is not placed upon consumers.

Mr. Duncan

May I ask that, in that consideration, not too much attention will be paid to the scale of pre-war profits by companies and to rating rebates by municipal undertakings?

Captain Wallace

I should not regard it as reasonable under war conditions that prices should be so increased as to maintain profits or to enable aid to be given to local rates at an unimpaired level.

Mr. Ede

Will the Minister use his influence with the Commissioners where they are attempting to put up prices?

Captain Wallace

I think I know the case to which the hon. Gentleman is referring and I may say that I think the Commissioners were quite right.

Mr. F. Anderson

Does the Minister's reply refer to new consumers as well as to old consumers?

Captain Wallace

I do not see any reason to differentiate between new and old consumers.

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