41. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Minister of Power by what percentage the price of gas in Scotland exceeded the average revenue per therm in England and Wales in the latest annual period for which figures are available; and what were the comparable percentage differences in each of the previous four years.
§ Mr. Freeson25 per cent. in 1966–67;the figures for the four preceding years, beginning with 1962–63, were 24 per cent., 19 per cent., 13 per cent., and 17 per cent.
Mr. TaylorHow can the Minister justify a situation in which all people in Scotland pay a quarter more for gas than all people in England and Wales? Does he not realise that this undermines a great deal of the work done by industrial development and otherwise? Will be reconsider the whole question?
§ Mr. FreesonAs I have tried to point out in answer to previous Questions, it is not correct to say that this compares with all people in England and Wales. One must compare one with another and those in Scotland are not the highest priced in the country.