§ LORD AVEBURYMy Lords I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have considered the introduction of fuel cost adjustment clauses into electricity tariffs for all domestic and commercial customers; and if so, what conclusion they have reached.
§ LORD CARRINGTONMy Lords, the possible extension of fuel cost adjustment clauses to domestic and other tariffs which do not at present contain them is one of the questions affecting electricity prices which is being considered as part of the consultations envisaged in the Chancellor's Statement on December 17. The Government have not yet reached a conclusion.
§ LORD AVEBURYMy Lords, could the noble Lord confirm that such a plan was submitted by the electricity industry the day before yesterday? Would he not agree that it is illogical, when by means of a massive advertising campaign, including television spots, the Government are exhorting the consumer to use less electricity at the same to encourage the consumption of electricity by refusing the industry the right to recover the increases in charges for primary fuels which it has to bear?
§ LORD CARRINGTONMy Lords, I can, of course, confirm that this matter is being considered, as I said in my original Answer. The arguments in the supplementary question which the noble Lord has put are among the things being considered by the Government.