HC Deb 15 March 1944 vol 398 cc220-1
20. Mr. Magnay

asked the Minister of Information whether, in view of the continued fall in the output of coal and the strikes in the coalfields, he will re-examine the question of the hours of broadcasting, with a view to closing down the news programme at 11 p.m. thus saving fuel, power and light.

Mr. Bracken

The suggestion made by the hon. Member has been examined several times in the past two years, but it has always been found, after consultation with the Ministry of Fuel and Power, that its adoption would not result in any appreciable saving of fuel.

Mr. Magnay

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a recent test from a London power station showed that the result would be an immediate drop in the load of 45,000 horse power, equivalent to a saving of 5,300 tons of coal?

Mr. Shinwell

Instead of adopting these artificial devices to solve the fuel problem, might not the Government give a little time to considering their whole policy?

Mr. Bracken

I, fortunately, have only one Department of the Government to represent. I dare say that the question will be read in the proper quarters. I did not quite understand the supplementary of the hon. Member for Gateshead (Mr. Magnay), but if he will send his document to me I will look into it.