§ 27. Mr. Dodds-Parkerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will postpone any further increases in gas charges and rates until consumer 1097 councils, as ordered under the Gas Act, are set up and operating.
§ Mr. GaitskellNo, Sir. Price increases are permitted only to the extent necessary to cover increased costs, and could not be postponed without loss to the existing undertakings and the future Area Gas Boards.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that, after all the fuss made about setting up consumers' councils under the Gas and Electricity Acts, the action of putting up charges to the consumers before the work of the consumers' councils has begun is a "fast one" and most unmechanical?
§ Mr. GaitskellVesting in the gas industry has not yet taken place, so it is a little premature to talk of gas consumers' councils.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesSurely, my right hon. Friend on the Second Reading of the Gas Bill gave an undertaking that these consumers' councils would be set up as speedily as possible and, if possible, be in operation by the time the vesting date was fixed?
§ Mr. GaitskellYes, Sir, and I have already asked for nominations from the various bodies concerned.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerWill not the right hon. Gentleman withhold the charges until then?