§ 66. Captain WALLACEasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the borough of Hornsey can generate electricity at a cost of ½d. per unit as against the proposed charge of 63d. per unit under the south-east England electricity scheme; and if he will undertake to hold a public inquiry before adopting a scheme which will increase the price to the consumer?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI must not be taken as accepting the figures put forward by my hon. Friend as comparable, but I would refer him to the provisions of Section 14 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, from which he will see that a station cannot be compulsorily closed down unless the Central Electricity Board are in a position to supply at a cheaper rate. Parliament has placed on the Board the duty of investigating schemes submitted to them, and I understand that they are at present discussing in detail representations with the undertakers concerned.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Central Electricity Board have insisted upon a power station being closed down where it has been possible under local people to produce electricity cheaper than that produced by the Electricity Board?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI cannot accept for a moment the statement of the hon. Member.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a case was brought to his notice referring to the Mexborough Urban District Council station?
§ Captain WALLACEWho is going to be the official authority to say which can produce at the cheaper rate?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe Central Electricity Board under the Act of last year.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs it not a fact that these grievances and these questions are due to the working of the Act which was passed by the present Government?
§ Colonel ASHLEYYes, but I do not agree with the figures put forward by the hon. Member.