§ Mr. Chichester-Clarkasked the Minister of Technology on what date the discussions concerning electricity and gas connection charges, referred to in Command Paper No. 2798, paragraph 99, began; when the most recent discussions on this matter took place; and why he is still unable to reach a decision on this matter.
Mr. Man WilliamsThe further discussions referred to in Command Paper No. 2798 were a continuation of previous discussions which had gone on at various times in earlier years especially between 1962 and 1964. The latest round of discussions with the industries at Ministerial level started in the autumn of 1967 on the basis of a detailed examination of the problem, conducted with the help of the industries, over the previous 12 months. They are continuing currently, but no generally acceptable solution has so far been found.