§ 17. Mr. James Lamondasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection if he will request the Price Commission to examine the costs proposed to be charged for electricity in the North Western Electricity Board's area.
§ Mr. MaclennanThe Price Commission has responsibility for initiating investigations under Sections 4 and 5 of the Act to investigate the price increases, prices or margins of individual undertakings. My right hon. Friend has at present no plans to direct the Price Commission to examine these charges under Section 10 of the Price Commission Act 1977.
§ Mr. LamondWould the Minister change his mind about ordering an examination if he knew that the electricity board was proposing a 20 per cent. increase on the quarterly standing charge, which will fall most harshly upon those who use little electricity—for example, old-age pensioners, the disabled and the unemployed? If the Minister will not protect these people, to whom can they look for assistance?
§ Mr. MaclennanMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will naturally consider carefully what my hon. Friend has said. It appears that a sectoral examination initiated by him would not normally be appropriate for the charges by one area board. Such an examination can be carried out under Sections 4 and 5 of the Price Commission Act, and that is a matter for the initiative of the Price Commission.