§ Mr. Andersonasked the Minister of Power if he will make an order to prevent the 18 per cent. increase in electricity charges forecast in the recent report of the South Wales Electricity Board which will put South Wales steel producers at a disadvantage compared with producers in other regions and in the case of the Spencer works of Richard Thomas and Baldwin will add £450,000 to the electricity bill or about 7s. 6d. per ton of steel.
§ Mr. MarshNo proposals have been put forward, but if they are they would be considered under the "early warning" procedure and might be referred to the National Board for Prices and Incomes. Further, the Electricity Act requires the Board to consult the Electricity Council and the South Wales Electricity Consultative Council who would take into account the effect on particular categories of consumer.