§ Mr. WIGNALLasked the First Commissioner of Works if he is aware that the 2412W Government power-house at Beachley, Gloucestershire, generates electricity at a cost of 2½d. per unit, supplies it at the same figure to the Chepstow Electric Power Company, and that the latter company then retails it to the consumer at 10d. per unit, thereby making a profit of 7½d. per unit; if this company has no expenses save the cost of collecting; and if he will take steps to ensure that the consumer be supplied direct from the Government power-house at a much cheaper rate?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYI have been asked to reply to this question. I understand that the price now charged for electricity generated at Beachley is 4d. per unit, and not 2½d. This supply represents only a small supplementary supply to that generated by the Chepstow company themselves. The price charged by the company for lighting is the same for the whole of their area, and I understand that their operations have during the last two years resulted in a loss.