asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what definition he proposes to give as to what is considered an extravagant consumption of electricity in connection with the Control of Fuel Order (No. 3), 1942–43.

If, as I assume, the hon. and gallant Member refers to the Articles of the Control of Fuel (No. 3) Order, 1942, prohibiting the waste or uneconomical use of fuel, including electricity, I think it must be clear that circumstances differ so widely in individual cases that no general definition is practicable. In any case, interpretation of the law is a matter for the courts.

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain how individuals are to know whether they are being extravagant, unless they have some definition as to what extravagance is?

As I say, that is a matter for interpretation.