HL Deb 29 July 1974 vol 353 cc2037-8

2.46 p.m.

BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY

My 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 the Chairman of the Electricity Council has completed his examination of possible adjustments giving relief to domestic consumers on the off-peak rates; and if they will make a Statement.

THE MINISTER OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (LORD BALOGH)

My Lords, with permission, I will be repeating in about an hour's time a Statement on this matter which is being made to-day in another place by my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Energy—and with that, if I may say so, my hopes for a quiet afternoon have gone for a "Burton"!

BARONESS BURTON OF COVENTRY

My Lords, the noble Lord improves every day! May I ask him whether he is aware that, in spite of the co-operation of his office—which has been greatly appreciated—it seems to have been impossible to comply with the undertaking that was given me on July 16, that I would be given the date on which to put down this Question. Therefore, I had to inconvenience fellow Peers by putting down a Question each day. That was unfortunate, and I hope that they will understand the position.