35. Mr. David Stoddardasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is aware that, because electricity supply restrictions were imposed by Her 4W Majesty's Government during the coal industry dispute, industrial and commercial consumers charged on the maximum demand tariff suffered financially through the average electricity prices being inflated because they were deprived of the benefit of units at the cheaper rates; and if he will now pay compensation to the electricity boards to enable them to make reductions in the appropriate consumers' accounts.
§ Mr. EmeryTo the first part of the Question, the answer is "Yes"; to the second part "No". Nearly every consumer suffered financially or in some other way as a result of the restrictions. It has already been made clear that it would be neither possible nor appropriate to single out any particular group for special help.