HC Deb 14 May 1973 vol 856 cc1012-3
20. Mr. Fowler

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he can estimate how many domestic users of gas had their supplies withdrawn for a period of five days or over as a result of the recent national industrial dispute; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister for Industry (Mr. Tom Boardman)

I understand from the British Gas Corporation that the number was just under 100,000. As my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary said on 16th April, we recognise and regret the inconvenience that those people had to suffer.—[Vol. 855, c. 16–17.]

Mr. Fowler

Would not my hon. Friend agree that there is an unanswerable case for the British Gas Corporation to make at least some reduction in the standing charge for those consumers who are affected? Not only were they caused hardship, but in many cases they were put to expense. Do not the figures which my hon. Friend has just given show that the cost of such a gesture would be relatively small but that the gain for the reputation of the corporation with the public would be enormous?

Mr. Boardman

As my hon. Friend said on 16th April, this must be a matter for the chairman of the corporation. I understand that my right hon. Friend has been in touch with him. If my hon. Friend has further points to put, I suggest that he raises them again with the chairman. But it would not be right to impose a new, wide and general obligation on the Government as a result of events arising from industrial disputes.

Mr. Kenneth Lewis

In a situation like this, is it right that we should be paying strikers from public funds while the consumer who is affected and who, in the middle of winter, has to put up with all kinds of inconveniences may get no consideration at all? Should not the corporation pay some compensation?

Mr. Boardman

My hon. Friend will understand if I confine my reply to the question of the remission of the standing charge. It would be outside that question to go into the subject of payments to strikers.