§ Mr. Mike Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether she is now in a position to make a reference to the National Consumer Council on the effect of energy prices on people of low incomes.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsI have today asked the National Consumer Council, in consultation with appropriate consumer and welfare organisations, to collect and consider evidence on the effect of energy prices on the budgets of low income households, including those on social security benefits; to examine evidence of particular hardship; and to suggest, if appropriate, means whereby any 543W such hardship may selectively be alleviated, bearing in mind the need for restraint in public expenditure, the statutory obligations of the nationalised industries, and the Government's intention to allow these industries to return to an economic level of pricing.
I have asked the NCC to report to me on these matters at the earliest convenient date and by 1st June 1976 if at all possible.