§ 40. Mr. Lipsonasked the Secretary for Mines whether he is aware of the continual increases in the price of coal to public utility undertakings, which have necessitated as much as 25 per cent. increases in electricity charges in some instances; and will he take steps to prevent further increases taking place?
§ Mr. GrenfellThe price of coal is strictly controlled and it has not been increased to public utility undertakings to a greater extent than to other consumers. I know of no increases in coal prices since the war which would have justified a 25 per cent. increase in electricity charges, but, if the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of the cases he has in mind, I will look into them.
§ Mr. LipsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that these increases in prices by public utility undertakings are causing great hardship, and that they are due to the absence of both a wages and a prices policy by the Government? Will the hon. Gentleman impress this upon his colleagues?
§ Mr. GrenfellThere is a price policy in regard to coal. The increases have been published and made known to everybody. The total increase allowed in pit-head prices is 4s. 1d. a ton, and this increase 930 has been made in successive stages to meet circumstances. There is no justification for saying that a 25 per cent. increase is necessary in the price of electricity.
§ Mr. LipsonAre not the increases in prices by public utility undertakings said by those who make them to be due to increases in the wages paid to miners? I do not complain about that, but I do complain about there being no definite policy.
§ Mr. GrenfellThere is a definite policy, and all the changes have been subject to agreement with the men concerned. The men are receiving increased allowances to meet the increased cost of living.
§ Mr. James GriffithsDoes my hon. Friend recall that in the years when the price of coal to public utility undertakings was being reduced, they made no reduction in their charges?