§ Mr. Norman Hoggasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what advice he has given to the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board concerning standing charges; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThe Scottish electricity boards have been informed about the announcement by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy of plans for an independent study in England and Wales of the level of standing charges for gas and electricity and the reasons for this level.
The boards have been asked for their co-operation in the preparation of a detailed analysis of the structure of fuel charges for small consumers and that any increase in standing charges be postponed until the results of the England and Wales study are available.
The consultants' reports on standing charges are expected to be available at the turn of the year.