§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will cause an investigation to be made to ascertain why, during the recent miners' strike, candles were being sold by as much as 500 per cent. above the normal retail price and coal for retirement pensioners and those on priority cost more than was the case just prior to the strike.
§ Mr. John DaviesNo. There is insufficient evidence available to me to justify such an investigation.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what extent he estimates the power cuts during the recent miners' strike will reduce the revenue to the electricity supply industry; to what extent, in addition to adjustments due to the rise in the price of coal, he estimates there will have to be a rise in the cost of electricity to consumers; and to what extent the Government will assist in grants to relieve such costs to the general public.
§ Sir J. EdenThe full implications of the miners' strike for the electricity supply industry's finances cannot yet be determined.