HC Deb 18 March 1948 vol 448 cc2429-31

Motion made, and Question proposed, That the Draft of a Special Order proposed to be made by the Minister of Fuel and Power under the Gas Undertakings Acts, 1920 to 1934, on the application of the Weston-super-Mare and District Gas Company, which was presented on 26th February and published, be approved."—[Mr. Robens.]

10.33 p.m.

Mr. Peter Roberts (Sheffield, Ecclesall)

I rise to ask one question, which I am sure the Parliamentary Secretary will be able to answer. It seems that in paragraph 6 there is power to increase the price of gas under this order and that it depends on what price was charged before. I would like an explanation from the Parliamentary Secretary whether in fact he is sponsoring an increase in the price of gas by 3d. per therm at this moment and, if so, is it in accordance with the policy of the Government?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Fuel and Power (Mr. Robens)

The purpose of the order is to extend certain statutory limits of supply. It is true that paragraph 6 gives the right to charge a differential price of 3d. per therm for gas supplied in added limits, but this will not result in any increase in the price of gas to consumers in the added limits.

Question put, and agreed to.

Motion made, and Question proposed, That the Draft of the Special Order proposed to be made by the Minister of Fuel and Power under the Gas Undertakings Acts, 1920 to 1934, on the application of the Swindon United Gas Company, which was presented on 26th February and published, be approved."—[Mr. Robens.]

Mr. P. Roberts

I should like to ask a question about paragraph 29. Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the broad powers which this order gives relating to the share structure of this company, will mean an increase of compensation for this undertaking when the time comes, or does it mean that the money will be handed over, so to speak, to the new Gas Area Board. The sum referred to is £18,320 and there are other sums. I think this House should be told at this stage, as the Gas Bill is before the House, how this is going to be affected by the compensation provisions of that Bill.

Mr. Robens

It certainly does increase the borrowing powers of the Swindon Gas Company. Even then, when the company is taken over under the socialisation Bill, it will be treated in precisely the same way as other undertakings are treated.

Mr. Roberts

Is it related to some share price? The Parliamentary Secretary will realise that compensation for these companies is to be based on the price of shares at some preceding date. In this case, the company is to be allowed to borrow more money. I would like some information about the matter. It does not seem clear at the moment.

Mr. Robens

Obviously, if they borrow money in accordance with this order, that must be taken into account when the question of compensation for that company is dealt with.

Mr. Roberts

Will this be brought up at some stage of the Gas Bill?

Mr. Robens

We shall discuss the compensation Clauses when they are reached, and the hon. Member may be able to raise this and other points then.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved, That the Draft of the Special Order proposed to be made by the Minister of Fuel and Power under the Gas Undertakings Acts, 1920 to 1934, on the application of the Mayor. Aldermen and Burgesses of the Borough of St. Helens, which was presented on 26th February and published, be approved.

Resolved, That the Draft of the Special Order proposed to be made by the Minister of Fuel and Power under the Gas Undertakings Acts, 1920 to 1934, on the application of the Mayor, Aldermen and Citizens of the City of Hereford, which was presented on 26th February and published, be approved.

Resolved, That the Draft of the Special Order proposed to be made by the Minister of Fuel and Power under the Gas Undertakings Acts, 1920 to 1934, on the application of the Mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses of the County Borough of Middlesbrough, which was presented on 17th February and published, be approved.

Resolved, That the Draft of the Special Order proposed to be made by the Minister of Fuel and Power under the Gas Undertakings Acts, 1920 to 1934, on the application of the South Yorkshire and Derbyshire Gas Company, which was presented on 17th February and published, be approved.