asked the Minister of Works the reasons for the increased cost for fuel, gas and electricity for the Houses of Parliament buildings from £22,700 in 1949–50 to £33,500 in 1950–51.

I anticipate increased consumption of electricity in 1950–51 for the new Chamber and other new accommodation, and also to maintain the recently restored pre-war lighting standards. Provision must also be made for a full year's supply of oil fuel for the new boilers as compared with supply for a short period only in 1949–50. The cost of coal which was previously used was met for technical accounting reasons from Subhead "L" of the Vote for Miscellaneous Works Services.