§ 8. Mr. Galbraithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what evidence he has received of the extent of overcharging where private electricity meters are installed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonMy right hon. Friend has received only a few complaints of overcharging since 1st July, 1965. when maximum resale prices of electricity for domestic purposes were first fixed by the Scottish electricity boards, but the Government are not satisfied with the present arrangements and we are considering what further action is necessary to improve them.
§ Mr. GalbraithIs this unsatisfactory state of affairs not due to the fact that so many rents are uneconomical? Would it not be far better to allow a reasonable return in rents and give the electricity boards power to check private meters at the same time as they check the main meters in the houses?
§ Dr. MabonI do not accept the hon. Member's point. However, I concede that we might bring this abuse within the scope of rent restriction. Even though it is a minor matter, the case of Miss Hocking, in Edinburgh, is a shocking one.