§ 32. Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the future price levels for electricity and gas.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. Alex Eadie)I have nothing to add to my right hon. Friend's Budget Statement concerning electricity and gas prices.
§ Mr. TaylorHas the Minister seen the astonishing figures in the regional survey published last Friday which show the average fuel costs of the average Scottish householder as 7½ per cent. more than the national average and 20 per cent. more than the Midlands average? In view of the widening differential between Scottish coal, electricity and gas prices and the national figures, will the Minister seriously consider the possibility of a national price for the products of nationalised industries?
§ Mr. EadieThe Government look seriously at any proposition presented by Opposition Members, but the strictures made by the hon. Gentleman would have had greater credibility if while the Conservatives were in power he had managed to put his arguments to his right hon. Friends.
Mr. AdleyHas the Minister any idea of the hardship that will be caused to old people living alone by the forthcoming increase in electricity prices? Is he also aware that these are the same people who are being hurt by the Labour Government's juggling about with the rate rebates? Will he have discussions with his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment to see whether the people to whom I refer can receive some form of rebated assistance towards electricity charges or rates, or both?
§ Mr. EadieIf the hon. Gentleman has any proposition to put to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, I suggest that he tables a Question on that item. In regard to his point about the suffering of elderly people, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer sought to deal with that matter in his Budget Statement when he announced a substantial increase in pensions.