§ Mr. Peter Walkerasked the Minister of Power if he will now make a statement on the action to be taken to prevent landlords using electricity meters as a means of obtaining additional rent.
§ Mr. Frederick LeeThe Chairman of the Electricity Council has informed me that Electricity Boards propose to use their powers under Section 29 of the Electricity Act, 1957, to fix and publish maximum prices at which electricity may be resold for domestic purposes. It is intended that these maximum prices shall apply from 1st July, 1965; this gives time for publishing notices fixing the maximum prices, for answering inquiries, and for owners to re-set their meters where necessary.
In my opinion, the proposed basis for fixing maximum prices overcomes most of the difficulties referred to in the letter of 5th February, 1964, from the Chairman of the Electricity Council to my predecessor, which was published in the OFFICIAL REPORT on 13th February, 1964 (columns 542–3) and will be fair to buyers and to sellers.
The maximum prices will apply to electricity used for domestic purposes in 37W all types of accommodation. They will, therefore, apply in hotels, boarding houses, etc., as well as in houses, flats, and caravans in which electricity is resold by the Electricity Board's direct consumer to the occupier through private meters.
The Boards and Consultative Councils will continue the practice of giving advice to tenants and landlords who refer the matter to them.