§ Mr. Roebuckasked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement about his efforts to keep prices stable since 20th July last.
§ Mr. MarshThe chairmen of the nationalised fuel industries gave their full support to the policies announced by the Prime Minister on 20th July. Apart from the normal ending of the summer discount for domestic solid fuels, which was not subject to the standstill, there have been no general increases since that date in the prices charged by the nationalised industries for coal and other solid fuels, gas and electricity.
I have sought the co-operation of private sector manufacturers and distributors within my field of responsibility in the operation of the standstill, supplementing as necessary the arrangements for "early warning" given in Cmnd. 2808. In general, the response has been very encouraging.