§ Mr. LANSBURY(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Transport whether he proposes to institute any inquiry into the need for improving the distribution of electricity in this country?
Mr. HORE-BELSHAYes, Sir. This matter has been closely studied by the Electricity Commissioners in the ordinary course of their duties and has engaged the attention of the Government. The House will recall that a small committee under the chairmanship of Lord Weir investigated the national problem of the supply of electrical energy and that upon their recommendations the Electricity Supply Act of 1926 was based. Following upon the co-ordination of generation which has now been secured by that Act, the Government have decided to appoint Sir Harry McGowan, Sir John Snell, who is chairman of the Electricity Commissioners, and Mr. John Morison, chartered accountant, to review the existing organisation of distribution, with the following terms of reference:
To bring under review the organisation of the distribution of electricity in Great Britain including the control of statutory electricity companies by other companies, to advise on methods by which improvements can be effected with a view to ensuring and expediting the standardisation of systems, pressures and methods of charge, further extending facilities (including supplies in rural areas) and reducing costs, and to make recommendations.
Viscountess ASTORMay I ask whether the Government will consider adding Miss Haslett to that Committee, because she is one of the outstanding women in the Electrical Association, and I am sure that the Electrical Association would highly recommend her? Much of it is a woman's job.