asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in connection with rural electrification supply, he will state the percentage figure of capital cost used in calculating charges in respect of capital contribution, special service and revenue guarantee; and whether, in view of the withdrawal of the subsidy towards capital cost, the E.S.B. have adjusted, or propose to adjust, the figure in order to avoid increases in charges.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electricity Charges.
The economics of operation are, under the Statute, a matter for the E.S.B., in the course of their day-to-day administration, and I suggest that the Deputy should ask the E.S.B. directly for the information he requires. I do not think it proper that I should intervene between him and the board in this matter.
Does the Minister not recognise that the withdrawal of the subsidy has very intimately affected the economics of the board and it is because of the effect of the withdrawal of the subsidy that these charges have been inflated to the detriment of potential consumers?
No. If the Deputy will ask the board to supply him with information on the matter I think he will find there is no ground whatever for his supplementary question.
Does the Minister not remember that when the subsidy for rural electrification was being withdrawn by the Coalition to save a few pounds he promised here it would have no effect on the cost of electricity?
He remembers the time when the Shannon was a white elephant.
The fact of the matter is that if there had been no other considerations involved it would not have been necessary for the E.S.B. to increase their charges.
That is another Coalition falsehood.
Is the Minister not aware that there are industrial concerns who have to seek alternative sources of supply to the E.S.B.?
That is absurd. They need new managements immediately.