§ 83. Mr. Marloweasked the Minister of Power whether he is aware that the South Eastern Electricity Board has abandoned the system of the fixed charge being assessed according to the size of the house, and has standardised the charge for all regardless of size, thus resulting in an increased charge for the smaller houses, mainly occupied by poorer people, and a reduced charge for the larger houses, mainly occupied by wealthier people; and whether he will issue a general direction in the public interest to the Board to revert to its former system.
§ Mr. John MorrisI am aware of this change which was made after consultation with the South-Eastern Electricity 217W Consultative Council. I understand that this fixed charge is intended mainly to cover the fixed costs the Board incurs in supplying any domestic consumer, which do not depend on the size of the premises or the amount of electricity used. The answer to the second part of the question is "No."