HC Deb 25 May 1965 vol 713 c213
17. Mr. Bence

asked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement on the outcome of the action taken by the nationalised power industries to prevent the exploitation of sub-tenants, by excessive charges for using electric power or gas.

Mr. Frederick Lee

As regards gas, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Islington, South-West (Mr. Albert Evans) on 29th April. Of the fourteen electricity boards, twelve, including the two Scottish Boards, have so far fixed maximum charges for electricity re-sold for domestic purposes.

Mr. Bence

There are still a large number of landlords and owners of property in this country who are exploiting tenants not only by high rents but also by having slot meters in houses. Will my right hon. Friend try to get them to do something to stop this ruthless exploitation?

Mr. Lee

My hon. Friend will remember that we have taken a good deal of action on this issue. As I have pointed out, 12 of the boards have so far fixed the maximum price in line with the statement which I made to the House.