§ Mr. Ian Gilmourasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what price increases there have been since the General Election in the various public services and nationalised industries.
§ Mr. DiamondThe increases which have taken place in the charges of the32W nationalised industries are set out below. I am not clear to what other public services the hon. Gentleman is referring.
British Railways Board
Outside the London area. On 1st February, 1965, fares outside the London area were increased by a farthing a mile on ordinary second class fares and 5 per cent. on season ticket rates.Inside the London area. Fares on the Fen. church Street line are being increased to bring them into line with those charged on the rest of the Board's undertaking. The issue of cheap day return tickets in London is also being abolished, but these are being replaced by off-peak cheap return tickets at little extra cost.Electricity
The following increases have been made: Midlands Board: from 1st January, 1965, prices were increased by between 11 and 14 per cent. East Midlands Board: from 1st February, 1965, prices were increased by between 8–9 per cent. and 10.3 per cent. Increased prices have also been announced by the Central Electricity Generating Board, and the Southern, Eastern, North Eastern and South Eastern Boards, but these will not become operative until 1st April next.Gas
The Scottish Board made increases averaging 6 per cent. in their prices as from 1st February, 1965, but both the North Western and Southern Boards have announced reductions.
National Coal Board Date of Increase Level of Increase Hard coke for domestic and general industrial market 1.1.65 9s. 6d. to 18s. 6d. a ton Blast furnace coke 1.1.65 13s. 6d. a ton Foundry coke 1.2.65 14s. 6d. a ton House coal: 22 zones near collieries 1.12.64 1s. 8d. a ton* 1 zone near collieries 1.12.64 2s. 6d. a ton* Remaining zones 1.2.65 Average of 1s. 8d. a ton* * Zone delivered price