§ 38. Mr. Shinwellasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the success of the Sheffield gas grid, it is intended to promote similar schemes in other parts of the country?
Mr. StanleyThe purpose of the Sheffield gas network was to extend the use of coke oven gas, and the answer I gave to the hon. Member for South Tottenham (Mr. Messer) on 1st June shows that this purpose has been achieved in other districts by other means. The Committee on Gas Supplies in the West of Scotland recently reported that a gas network in that district was not economically practicable. If the appropriate authority for any district finds, however, that a gas network is desirable its proposals will, of course, receive consideration.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the right hon. Gentleman say who is the appropriate authority?
Mr. StanleyI am prepared, if there is any substantial opinion in a district which thinks that this can be of use, to look into it. In most cases the proposal is put forward by the authority or body supplying the gas.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the right hon. Gentleman aware, when he speaks of the appropriate authority, that there are various authorities in a district, none of whom can speak for the community as a whole? In these circumstances, is it not desirable for the success of the gas grid that the right hon. Gentleman's Department should take the initiative in the matter?
Mr. StanleyI do not think there is a case for a roving inquiry all over the country, but if in any particular district the authority or company responsible for the supply of gas or anyone representing the consumers thinks this would be advisable, I shall be glad to look into it.
§ Mr. MacquistenIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that many local authorities have their own gas works and that they strongly object to the breaking of the vested interest and monopoly that they often have, no matter how cheap they can get gas?