§ Mr. Alisonasked the Minister of Power what total sum the area electricity boards recovered by way of initial charges for effecting connection of electricity supplies to new dwellings during the year 1964–65; and what percentage of total revenue from sales of electricity this amount represented.
§ Mr. Frederick LeeI am informed by the Electricity Council that in 1964–65 area electricity boards received approximately £500,000 in respect of initial charges for connecting new dwellings, excluding charges for excess lengths of cable under Section 27(1) of the Schedule to the Electric Lighting (Clauses) Act, 1899, and contributions agreed for projects involving exceptionally heavy capital outlay. The amount represents 0.06 per cent. of total revenue from sales of electricity in 1964–65.
§ Mr. Alisonasked the Minister of Power what representations he has received from the Consumer Council in regard to the policy of the electricity supply industry in charging for connection of supplies to new dwellings; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. Frederick LeeThe Consumer Council informed my Department on 22nd March, 1965, that it was opposed to the giving of discriminatory discounts by electricity boards to induce builders to build "all-electric" houses, on the ground that these discounts encourage a limitation of consumer choice which cannot be justified on general economic grounds. The Council was informed that I was most anxious to bring about a settlement of the problem of free choice of fuels when housing estates were developed, and that it was being pursued on my behalf with the Chairmen of the Electricity and Gas Councils.