§ 48. Mr. WESTasked the Minister of Transport whether he will introduce legislation for the purpose of co-ordinating electricity generating and distributive undertakings in this country on the lines of public ownership?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONThe co-ordination of the generation of electricity throughout the country under the Central Electricity Board is secured by the provisions of the Act of 1926. Of the undertakings engaged in distribution, two-thirds are, as my hon. Friend is aware, already publicly owned, and wide powers exist under the Electricity (Supply) Acts for co-operation and inter-working between the various authorities. I do not contemplate the introduction of legislation in the immediate future.
§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONMay I ask what progress has been made in this matter in the North-Eastern area?
§ Mr. MORRISONAn arrangement was arrived at some time ago between the Government and the Board in respect of the North-Eastern area, and the agreement is being actively pursued.
§ Mr. WESTCan the right hon. Gentleman say what he proposes to do in relation to the one-third of the undertakings which are still privately owned?
§ Mr. MORRISONThe Government are in conference with all the supply undertakings with a view to securing accelerated development, but, as I have indicated at the end of my answer, immediate legislation is not intended.