HC Deb 18 March 1931 vol 249 cc2016-7
25. Brigadier - General CLIFTON BROWN

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the protests sent to him from municipal and other gas companies protesting against his action in recommending electricity at the expense of gas companies; and whether he will receive deputations on the subject?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

The conferences which I have recently held with representatives of electricity supply undertakings were arranged with a view to urging them to provide additional employment by expediting their development, and I pointed out that the continued development of the two industries had not proved incompatible. I have not been approached directly on the subject by municipal or other gas undertakers.

Brigadier-General BROWN

Will the right hon. Gentleman he willing to receive any deputation from municipal bodies on the subject?

Mr. MORRISON

When an application is received, I will consider it, but I am not convinced that I have committed any offence.

Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen a letter of protest signed by two members of his own party which appears in the Press to-day?

Mr. MORRISON

I have seen letters of protest from the gas industry, but I am certain that they were drafted and signed under a complete misapprehension of the facts.