§ Mr. Keeling (by Private Notice)asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether his attention has been drawn to the danger caused in factories and hospitals by the sudden cutting off of electric current; and whether he will arrange for warning to be given to such users before electricity is cut off?
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Shinwell)These interruptions of electricity supply are due to shortage of generating plant, which is insufficient to meet peak loads. The shortage arises from the fact that only a few power stations could be built during the war, while consumption has increased to 55 per cent. above 1938. A large programme of new power stations was approved as soon as the war ended; but these stations take several years to construct, and we shall be short of electricity supplies during this period. All possible steps are taken by the Central 788 Electricity Board to issue warnings through the B.B.C. and the Press and to individual electricity undertakings when there is a likelihood that generating capacity will not be able to meet the demand. And electricity undertakings are instructed to avoid as far as possible cutting of supplies without telephone warning to hospitals, factories engaged in continuous process work, and other establishments where sudden interruption would he dangerous. It is not, of course, practicable to give individual notice except to a small proportion of consumers.
A general warning could only be given if there were a prearranged plan to cut off supplies to particular areas on given days, even if it proved technically unnecessary to do so on those days. The choice lies between having a prearranged interruption of supply which might have been avoided or a sudden interruption which occurs only when it becomes inevitable. In these circumstances the best solution would be for everyone to reduce consumption as far as possible during the peak hours of eight to 10 in the morning and four to six in the afternoon. It is only by the utmost economy that these interruptions can be reduced to a minimum.
§ Mr. KeelingIs the Minister aware that, unless specific warning mentioning a time and place is given, the effect on production will be very serious?
§ Mr. ShinwellAs I indicated, warning is given wherever possible, but it is not possible to give a specific warning to all.
§ Earl WintertonAre we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that in the case of hospitals, for example, they must refrain from carrying out operations between the hours of eight and 10 in the morning; and cannot he reconsider the question of hospitals, which is really a most urgent one? Why cannot operating hospitals always be informed in advance?
§ Mr. ShinwellAs I have indicated in my answer, every possible attempt is made to inform hospitals, as, of course, is desirable in the circumstances. As regards asking hospitals and similar institutions to refrain from using electricity between the hours I have indicated, that is not our intention, but it may be possible for them to exercise some kind of economy.
§ Major HaughtonCan the Minister say, when the amount of equipment is known, whether it would not be advisable to warn hospitals that the current will be cut off at such and such an hour, even though it may not be necessary at the last moment to do so?
§ Mr. ShinwellUnfortunately, it is not always possible for the control engineers employed by the Central Electricity Board—to whom I wish to pay my tribute for their conduct of these very delicate and highly technical operations—to estimate, at any given moment, what the peak load is going to be. That depends very largely on the consumers and, therefore, the control engineers cannot alternate the frequency which guides this matter and determines how much electricity is going to be used in the way that hon. Members desire.
§ Mr. ChurchillIs it not possible—I hazard the suggestion with great humility—to give a momentary flick two or three times by way of a five-minutes' warning that there is going to be a stoppage?
§ Mr. ShinwellI am not certain whether that proposal would be practicable, but, naturally, even in spite of the right hon. Gentleman's humility, we will give it consideration.
§ Mr. Somerville HastingsIs my right hon. Friend aware that the operating theatre in every hospital has a stand-by electric plant, which provides for an emergency such as this?
§ Mr. Henderson StewartDoes the Minister wish the House to understand from his statement that the shortage of coal has nothing to do with these electricity cuts?
§ Mr. ShinwellThat is precisely what I indicated. The recent shedding of load has nothing to do with the shortage of solid fuel, although it is quite possible that, during the winter period, there may be some occasional shortage of fuel which may cause some distress to the electricity concerns. But that situation has not yet emerged.
§ Mr. TiffanyIs the Minister aware that, owing to the electro-magnetic control of switchgear, it would be impossible to give the warning suggested?
§ Mr. ErrollIs not the Minister to be congratulated for once on not blaming the Tories for this?
§ Mr. ShinwellI have a desire to be temperate, which prevents me from reminding hon. Members that there was a great deal of neglect before the beginning of the war.