§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Energy if, in view of the fact that the suppliers of energy to consumers are arranging to increase their prices to almost double that of the inflation rate, he will take steps to investigate such price increases; and pending his examination, if he will introduce measures to freeze gas and electricity prices.
§ Mr. MellorNo. I do not expect electricity prices to domestic consumers this year to rise faster than the rate of inflation. Concerning gas prices, I refer the hon. Member to the reply my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Melton (Mr. Latham) on 23 January.