asked the Minister of Transport if representations have been made to him by the local authorities in the Tyneside area regarding the high charges made by private electricity supply companies to consumers in their districts; and, if so, will he state what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I have noticed statements in the Press to the effect that the question of electricity charges in the district referred to has been under discussion between some of the local authorities and companies concerned, but no representations have been made to me in the matter.

Does the Minister not propose to take some action seeing that in the middle of the coalfield people are being charged 6id. per unit for lighting purposes?

There is ample machinery for bringing such matters to my notice. If a local authority or 20 consumers in the district bring such a matter to my notice, it is my duty to investigate it.