HC Deb 24 October 1967 vol 751 cc414-5W
36. Mr. Lomas

asked the Minister of Power why the increases in electricity charges were not submitted to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

39. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Power why the recently announced increases in the price of electricity were not referred to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

Mr. Biffen

asked the Minister of Power if he will refer to the National Board for Prices and Incomes the proposed increases in the price of electricity and gas.

Mr. Marsh

The proposed increases in gas prices and in the Central Electricity Generating Board's bulk supply tariff have been referred to the National Board for Prices and Incomes. The increases in retail electricity prices have been considered by the appropriate consultative councils under normal statutory arrangements.

38. Mr. Tilney

asked the Minister of Power why, since the domestic rate for electricity charges is to rise in the North-Western Area and in Merseyside and North Wales more than in most other areas of the country, the Merseyside Consultative Council has not been allowed its statutory procedure of appeal, and, in view of the industrial stagnation in the North-West, particularly the contraction of the cotton and coal industries, whether he will reduce the 13 per cent. increase in revenue required to meet the capital commitments of the North-Western Electricity Board.

Mr. Freeson

The Electricity Boards announced the price increases after consultation with the Electricity Consultative Councils. Several of the Councils, including those for Merseyside and North Wales and the North West, made representations to which replies have now been sent. I know of no limitations on statutory procedures. In recognition of the special problems facing their areas, it was agreed that the increases of certain Boards, including both the North Western and Merseyside and North Wales Electricity Boards, should be less than the amounts required to achieve their financial objectives.

40. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Minister of Power if he will make a statement on the proposed increases in certain areas of the price of gas.

Mr. Marsh

The question of the increases in gas tariffs sought by the gas industry was referred to the National Board for Prices and Incomes on 3rd October. No increases will be made before the Board has reported.

Mr. Biffen

asked the Minister of Power what representations he has had from the, Electricity Council or the Central Electricity Generating Board requesting that the increase in the price of electricity should be referred to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

Mr. Marsh

None.

Mr. Biffen

asked the Minister of Power what representations he has had from the Gas Council requesting that the proposed increases in gas prices should be referred to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.

Mr. Marsh

None. The question of gas and coke prices was referred to the National Board for Prices and Incomes on 3rd October.