asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the increased proportion of British coal imports, it is expected that any reduction may take place in charges for electricity, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electricity Charges.
I have no function in the matter of the charges made by the Electricity Supply Board for electricity, but I am informed by the board that they do not anticipate any reduction in their charges consequent on the increased imports of British coal.
Is the Minister aware that at the time of the recent increase the Electricity Supply Board announced that it was due to the increased cost of fuel? In view of the fact that British suppliers are now playing a larger part in the provision of coal used, does the Minister not consider there is some justification for a revision?
The board still have stocks of American coal, but apart from that, although British coal is now freely available, its price has gone up, and so also has the price of fuel oil.