§ 44. Mr. Thomas Reidasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what was the average cost of electricity supplied to domestic and industrial consumers before nationalisation; and what it is now.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerThe average revenue per unit sold for lighting, heating and cooking (including supplies to shops, offices, hotels and so on) was 1.391Id. in 1947 and 1.504d. in 1949. The average revenue per unit sold for power was 0.907d, in 1947 and 0.940d. in 1949.
§ Mr. T. ReidMay I ask whether this increase in costs is much lower than the average increase in costs in industry?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerYes, Sir; much lower; and compared with 1938, very much lower still.
§ Mr. PickthornCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether he has information in such a way that it could be readily understood which would show how much costs have been increased by unpredictable variation in voltage; how much real costs have been increased to the consumer?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI am afraid I could not make a reliable estimate, but I know the loss to industry has been considerable and I greatly regret it.
§ Miss Irene WardMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, before electricity prices are increased, notification is sent to the local authorities, because my local authority takes very great exception to the fact that there was neither negotiation nor notification before prices were recently increased? I should be glad if he would take action in that matter in future.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerPerhaps the hon. Lady will give me time to consider the point.
§ Mr. John HyndOn a point of order. I wonder if you, Mr. Speaker, will give me some guidance on why it is in order for the Minister to answer a question as to the prices of electricity before and after nationalisation, and it is not in order for the Table to permit a question on what is the incidence of pilferage on the railways before and after nationalisation?
§ Mr. SpeakerI certainly cannot be expected to give an authoritative answer to a question like that without notice.