HC Deb 09 February 1965 vol 706 cc49-51W
33. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Minister of Power how much capital has been invested in the past 10 years to the present date in the electrical industry; and what has been the increase in the price of electricity in these years.

Mr. Frederick Lee

Expenditure by the electricity industry in England and Wales on fixed assets during the years 1954–55 to 1963–64 totalled £2,932 million. The average price of electricity sold to all consumers has increased from 1.376d. per unit in 1953–>54 to 1.622d. in 1963–64, a rise of 18 per cent.

34. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Power what progress has been made in the discussions started early in 1963 between the then Minister and the Electricity Council in an effort to ensure a fairer system in the resale of electricity by landlords to tenants, in view of the exploitation that is taking place.

Mr. John Morris

Considerable progress has been made in these discussions. My right hon. Friend met the Central Members of the Electricity Council recently. The Electricity Council, the Area Boards, and the Consultative Councils are examining the best basis for fixing maximum resale prices. My right hon. Friend is determined, when agreement is reached, to ensure that early action is taken.

35. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Minister of Power what steps he proposes to take to ensure that increases in electricity charges should not have an adverse effect on prices and costs generally.

Mr. John Morris

My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the electricity boards for which he is responsible are making every effort to absorb the increased costs they have to face and to keep their prices stable.

36. Mr. Philip Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Power if, in view of the rapid growth in imports of fuel oil from foreign refineries, he will help the balance of payments by giving a general direction, in the public interest, to the Central Electricity Generating Board to run their oil-fired power stations only for peak load operation.

Mr. Frederick Lee

No. I have to bear in mind the Board's statutory responsibilities to meet the demand for electricity and to reduce costs. While it is true that imports of fuel oil have increased, the output of home refineries has also increased and now broadly matches the home demand. The imports are almost matched by exports and supplies to bunkers.

37. Mr. Philip Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Power what was the burn of fuel oil at power stations during 1964 compared with 1963.

Mr. Frederick Lee

The Central Electricity Generating Board used 4.8 million tons of fuel and gas oil in 1963 and 5.3 million tons in 1964.

41. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Power whether he was consulted by the Electricity Authority in the North-East before an announcement was made of an increase in electricity charges in that area.

Mr. John Morris

Yes.