HC Deb 11 July 1917 vol 95 cc1925-6
76. Mr. GILBERT

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many members of the Departmental Committee on Electric Power Supply are directors of electric power companies; and if he will state the qualifications of the last three members appointed to represent the interests of municipal electric undertakings?

Sir A. STANLEY

There are three members of the Committee who are directors of electric power supply companies. Of the three members referred to in the latter part of my hon. Friend's question: Mr. Harold Dickinson is the electrical engineer to the Corporation of Liverpool, and was nominated to serve on the Committee by the Association of Municipal Corporations. Mr. Vesey Knox, K.C., has acted as counsel for many urban district councils owning electricity undertakings, and was nominated by the Urban District Councils Association. Mr. W. B. Smith is a member of the Glasgow Town Council, who own the largest municipal electricity undertaking in Scotland, and was nominated by my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland, on the recommendation of the Lord Provost of Glasgow.

Mr. GILBERT

Has the right hon. Gentleman received representations from municipal authorities in London owning London undertakings, and are those London undertakings also to have a representative on the Committee?

Sir A. STANLEY

I think I should like notice of that question.

77. General CROFT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of his having promised to increase the representation of local authorities owning electricity undertakings on the Committee of Electrical Supply, he will consider appointing a member to represent the provincial electric supply companies working under Provisional Orders and subject to purchase?

Sir A. STANLEY

I am of opinion that the Electric Power Supply Committee as now constituted is sufficiently representative of all bodies owning electricity undertakings, including those described, and I am not prepared to make any further additions to it.