HC Deb 18 February 1980 vol 979 c7
4. Sir Anthony Meyer

asked the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to meet the chairman of Wales Gas.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

I have no immediate plans to meet the chairman of Wales Gas.

Sir A. Meyer

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the proposed steep increases in gas prices, though reluctantly accepted as essential by many, are causing great apprehension to a large number of people? Will he be more specific than Ministers have been up to now in saying what measures of alleviation are proposed for those who will be hard hit by the increases, not merely the over-75s?

Mr. Edwards

My hon. Friend is aware of the scheme anounced on 22 October last year, which was designed to provide help for those most in need. The Government have made it clear that they are reviewing the whole range of measures available to assist those in the community most in need of help with fuel bills, and an announcement will be made in due course.