§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Employment, in view of the fact that electricity charges are to rise again in April by 5 per cent., raising the price of electricity to an average of 2.7p per unit, the highest charge ever, to what extent this will raise the cost of living; and what action he proposes to take to prevent these increases in view of the fall in the inflationary spiral.
§ Mr. Harold WalkerI am informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy that no formal proposals have yet been made by electricity area boards for an increase in charges. Should an increase of 5 per cent. be implemented it would add about one-tenth of 1 per cent. to the retail prices index. Any proposals for an increase would be considered by the Price Commission in pursuance of its statutory responsibilities.