HC Deb 10 February 1971 vol 811 c181W
85. Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the decision of the South of Scotland Electricity Board to increase charges.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

The fixing and varying of tariffs is a matter for the Board which took account of the Government's view that in present circumstances price increases should be kept to the minimum. The Board has informed me that it considers the increases to be necessary in order to meet rises in costs which cannot he absorbed by increased productivity, and that without them it would be unable to meet its statutory obligation to balance its revenue account.