Elf 'n Safety - an excuse to make more £ ?

On the coldest April day in 50 years and on our first trip out this year, we arrived on site to find that we had not brought our electric lead!

We had heard that wardens were often in a position to loan equipment short term and went to them for help.  However, due to elf 'n safety regs introduced recently, they were unable to loan a lead - but could sell us one for £36 - cash only, no cards!

I can only think the Caravan Club see this as another way of getting even more money from its members.  Many organisations use electrical appliances and comply with the annual PAT testing requirements.  Why could they not just charge a small lending fee instead of selling over-priced equipment?