§ LORD GRIDLEYMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what was the total cost (including staff, office accommodation, travelling expenses, etc.) of the consultative councils operative in conjunction with the area electricity boards for the nearest twelve months for which the figures are available.]
§ THE MINISTER OF POWER (LORD MILLS)My Lords, the total cost of the twelve electricity consultative councils in England and Wales for the year ended March 31, 1956, was £32,169. This sum covers staff salaries, travelling and other incidental expenses; accommodation is provided by the area electricity boards, generally without charge. In addition, each chairman of a consultative council is paid a salary of £750 in his capacity both as chairman and as an ex-officio part-time member of the area board concerned. Other council members are unpaid. I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the work performed by the members of electricity consultative councils who, by their public spirit and endeavour, are helping to give electricity consumers good value for their money.
§ LORD GRIDLEYMy Lords, I beg to thank the noble Lord for that information.