§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) whether, pursuant to his answer of 10 December, Official Report, c. 652, he will set out the practical difficulties which prevent the reports of the consultants who are examining standing charges being expedited in order for him to be able to make a statement on the response of the electricity and gas supply industries before the Christmas adjournment;
(2) if, pursuant to the reply of 6 December, he will express the cost to the electricity supply and gas industries of limiting standing charges in domestic bills to a maximum of 50 per cent. of any bill in approximate cash terms; and if, in the case of the electricity supply industry, such a limit would prejudice the ability of the industry to maintain its average level of prices for the next year.
§ Mr. MellorI shall answer the right hon. Member as soon as possible.