§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will abolish standing charges made for the consumption of fuels in the energy industries in Scotland.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherNo. The fixing of charges for the supply of electricity by the Scottish electricity boards is a matter for the boards, in which I have no power to intervene. The operations of the British Gas Corporation and the National Coal Board in Scotland are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy.