§ 46 and 47. Mr. Milneasked the Minister of Power (1) if he will refer the increased charges proposed by the Northern Gas Board in regard to their gas central heating service scheme to the National Board for Prices and Incomes;
(2) what consultations took place, in the light of Her Majesty's Government's directive to the nationalised industries about notification of price increases, with the Northern Gas Board regarding increased prices for their service scheme for gas central heating appliances, particularly the increase from 30s. to £8 for the comprehensive maintenance scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dame Irene Wardasked the Minister of Power whether, in view of the policy of Her Majesty's Government on prices, he will refer the increased price for servicing for gas central heating by the Northern Gas Board to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.
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§ Mr. FreesonIncreases in consumer service charges by Gas Boards are not subject to the early warning system, but the Northern Gas Board informed the Government of their proposals on this occasion. The Government decided that there were insufficient grounds for referring these increases to the National Board for Prices and Incomes, and have confined the present reference to gas and coke.