§ MR. MORTON (Sutherland)I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether he will consent to the Second Reading of the London Electricity Bills (3) being put off till the autumn session so that the London local authorities may have an opportunity of considering the new proposals of the Board of Trade (which have only to day, 25th, been published in the papers) and submitting their views before the debate on the Second Reading takes place; and also whether any advantage will be gained by taking the Second Reading now.
§ MR. CHURCHILLMy right hon. friend has asked me to reply to this Question. I am advised that it would be fatal to the Bills if the Second Reading were postponed to the autumn session. As regards two of the three Bills, the proposal to make the London County Council the purchasing authority is not new, but was considered by the Committee of the other House. Full opportunity will be given for existing purchasing authorities to be heard before the Committee and ample time will be available for the preparation of their case.
§ MR. MORTONpointed out that very large expense might be avoided if the local authorities were allowed an opportunity of considering the matter by the Second Reading?
§ MR. CHURCHILLI do not think that possible.