HC Deb 20 February 1984 vol 54 c558
17. Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for Energy when he will next meet the chairman of the Electricity Council.

Mr. Peter Walker

I have regular meetings with the chairman of the council.

Mr. Cohen

Will the Secretary of State consider discussing with the chairman the question of electricity prices, particularly the disparity of prices for electricity from the same grid? The cost in inner city areas can be higher than the cost in nearby areas. Some of my constituents have to pay 15 per cent. more than people living in Chingford, just down the road in the same borough.

Mr. Walker

There are variations between different electricity boards. That has been so since the various electricity boards were set up in the regions. The hon. Gentleman has a problem in that his constituency covers the border between two electricity boards. I am sure that his constituents are relieved that the overall increase in the price of electricity is 2 per cent., and that the increase in standing charges is nil.