§ Sir M. Galpernasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, in view of the proposal of the South of Scotland Electricity Board to go ahead with new tariff charges of an average increase of 6 per cent., affecting 1,250,000 consumers from 25th July unless they receive a direction to the contrary, if he will now issue such a general direction in the public interest.
Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in accordance with the Government's policy on wage and price increases, he will give a general direction, in the public interest, to the South of Scotland Electricity Board not to proceed with the 6 per cent. increase which is to come into effect on 25th July.
§ Mr. Clark Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) in view of Her Majesty's Government's new policy, if he will give a general direction that there are to be no increases in charges by the South of Scotland Electricity Board during the next 12 months;
(2) in view of Her Majesty's Government's new policy, if he will give a general direction, in the public interest, that there are to be no increases in charges during the next 12 months by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electricity Board.
253W
§ Mr. James Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will refer the 6 per cent. increase in electricity charges in Scotland to the National Board for Prices and Incomes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossThe price increases proposed by the South of Scotland Electricity Board did not take effect on 25th July. I cannot yet make any statement on the question of general directions.