HC Deb 14 May 1973 vol 856 cc1014-5
22. Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he last met representatives of the Electricity Council.

Mr. Tom Boardman

I frequently meet representatives of the Electricity Council. The last such meeting was on 7th May.

Mr. Cox

I note that reply, but is not the Minister aware that electricity boards are unwittingly aiding landlords and property companies to get tenants out? When it is a landlord's responsibility to pay the electricity bills and he refuses, the supplies are cut off; and such is the inconvenience faced by the tenants that they then vacate the premises. Will he, therefore, as a matter of urgency bring this matter to the attention of the boards and request that in future they consult tenants to ascertain who is responsible for paying bills before any supplies are cut off?

Mr. Boardman

I suggest that, if the hon. Member has specific instances in mind, he should put them to the electricity board or consultative council concerned, which will certainly examine such cases.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

On the last occasion that my hon. Friend met the Electricity Council, did he emphasise that the subsidising of various electricity boards to compensate them for price control would be applied to ensure that the least efficient boards receive the largest subsidy?

Mr. Boardman

I have had a number of discussions with the Electricity Council on the question of the compensation for which it has asked in respect of price restraint. This has been a continuing dialogue.

Mr. Varley

Will the Minister say something about the reported application by the electricity supply industry for a 15 per cent, increase in the domestic tariffs? If this were agreed, does he agree that it would blow another hole through the Government's counter-inflationary policy?

Mr. Boardman

To my knowledge, no request for such an increase has yet gone to the Price Commission. I would certainly not comment on speculative rumours which may have been heard by the hon. Gentleman.