HC Deb 12 March 1968 vol 760 cc1171-2
10. Mr. Tilney

asked the Minister of of Power whether the introduction by the Merseyside and North Wales Electricity Board of a second scale of 70 units at 2.35d., or an increase of 55 per cent. on the old rate of 1.5d., had his approval.

Mr. Freeson

My right hon. Friend considered the general proposals under the early warning arrangements, but the details were a matter for the Board in consultation with the Electricity Council and the Merseyside and North Wales Electricity Consultative Council. I understand that the maximum increase for any domestic consumer in the area is 20 per cent., while the average for domestic consumers is about 16 per cent.

Mr. Tilney

Even though the average may be 16½ per cent. for all domestic consumers, does not the Minister agree that people living on small fixed incomes are hit worse than any other section of the community?

Mr. Freeson

That kind of question has been put many times before, both in the House and in correspondence with the Department, and we have always had to inform hon. Members that there are social security arrangements for assistance in such cases of need.

Mr. Emery

Does the Minister realise that he just threw away the idea that an increase of 20 or 16½ per cent. was insignificant? To many people it is a major increase. Can he tell the House that he is very dissatisfied with that sort of increase?

Mr. Freeson

In real cash terms it is not a major increase. I am as much, if not a little more, concerned about the conditions in which poor people live in this country and have been over a much longer period.