§
Motion made, and Question proposed,
That the Draft of the Special Order proposed to be made by the Minister of Fuel and Power under the Gas Undertakings Acts, 1920 to 1934, on the application of the Colchester Gas Company, which was presented on 8th October and published, be approved."—[Mr. Gaitskell.]
§ 9.21 p.m.
§ Viscount Hinchingbrooke (Dorset, Southern)I rise to put a point of some principle, although I will not occupy the House long with it. What is the purpose of bringing before the House Motions like this, and the Electricity Special Orders which we have just passed, if no explanation is offered about them by the Minister? It would be appropriate, if this is to be done, to rearrange the law so that these matters pass through automatically; otherwise, the Minister should give us an explanation.
§ 9.22 p.m.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Fuel and Power (Mr. Gaitskell)I was prepared to answer questions which might be asked, but I really left it to you, Mr. Deputy-Speaker, whether to insist that I should speak when nobody had asked me to do so. It would be out of Order for me to make any comment in respect of the Electricity Orders but if the noble Lord wishes I shall be 1170 glad to answer any question on the Order now before the House. Briefly stated, the Order enables the Colchester Gas Company to increase its share capital by £100,000. It makes minor consequential Amendments also, in the Private Legislation of the company.
§
Resolved:
That the Draft of the Special Order proposed to be made by the Minister of Fuel and Power under the Gas Undertakings Acts, 1920 to 1934, on the application of the Colchester Gas Company, which was presented on 8th October and published, be approved.