§ 42. Mr. HARDIEasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the watering of capital in private enterprise electricity supply preventing the cheapening of the unit, as promised by the Government when placing the last Act controlling the industry, he is taking any action to prevent this practice?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am not clear what particular circumstances the hon. Member has in mind, but perhaps he will furnish me with more specific details.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs the Minister of Transport not aware that immediately before the Electricity Bill became an Act, these private companies were prepared to capitalise their reserves and to hand out £5 or £6 or £7 for a £1 share; and does he not think that that is something he ought to take into consideration?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIf the hon. Member will kindly amplify in writing the details he has given, I will look into them.
Sir F. HALLIs it advisable in the interests of any undertaking that such statements should be circulated, when they have practically no truth in them?
§ Mr. MACQUISTEN rose——
§ Mr. SPEAKERHon. Members must consider their colleagues.