§ Mr. Churchill (by Private Notice)asked the Prime Minister whether he has any further statement to make on the action of the Government in imposing cuts in electrical power.
§ The prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power on Friday explained to the House the circumstances which had necessitated the drastic cuts in electricity. The essential factors in the situation are these. Shortage of coal has led to a critical position every winter for the last five years owing to insufficient stocks. During the wax the drastic closing of non-essential industries, the blackout and the imposition of double summer time curtailed demand and enabled the crisis to be overcome. The weather conditions were' not excessively bad. This year we had in April only 6,000,000 tons in stock. Although every effort was made to increase stocks, the country started the winter with only 11 million tons in stock as against 14 million the year before. Meanwhile, the restarting of industry and the return to 34 peace conditions, caused a rapid increase of demand especially for electricity. Although there has been, in the last few months, a steady increase in coal production, demand has increased beyond alt expectations; in particular the consumption of coal to meet the increased demand for electricity greatly exceeded the estimate of the Central Electricity Board.
This prevented the building up of stocks at electricity stations to the four weeks' supply recommended by the Central Electricity Board. In addition to the coal position, the available generating plant in the country, which had not, owing to the war, been increased, was rapidly approaching a situation in which it would be overloaded. In these circumstances the public were invited to assist by being economical in the use of electricity, certain shedding of load were resorted to, and a scheme of rationing coal was devised, in consultation with both sides of industry. With the steady increase of production of coal, and with special measures taken to improve transportation, these measures should have enabled the country to get through the winter, given normal weather conditions. The present critical situation is clue to the spell of hard weather which we are now experiencing. The serious situation which the country now faces can only be met by the cooperation of all. We have had to concentrate on the maintenance of essential services, and for this reason we have been obliged to bring to a halt a great deal of industrial activity, and to ask the domestic consumers to economies in every possible way. I am well aware of the serious loss this will inflict on the country, and of the hardship which many people will be called upon to suffer, but it is an action which is essential at the present time.
As to immediate steps being taken, all Government Departments concerned the National Coal Board and the shipping, transport and electricity authorities have been continuously engaged in taking all possible steps to get coal moved to the power stations in London and the South-East, the Midlands and the North-West. In the prevailing weather conditions loading at docks and staithes has been difficult and slow, and ships from the North-East Coast and South Wales have been delayed by gales and fog. Railway traffic has been disorganised by the 35 accumulation of loaded wagons, freezing of points, and, in some cases, by the blocking of tunnels and lines with snow. Detailed instructions have been issued to the 340 electricity undertakings affected by the scheme of restrictions. By public notices in the Press and by the British Broadcasting Corporation consumers have been notified of what they must do. A list of essential services and industries which can continue to use power has been issued. Special arrangements have been made, both in London and in the regions, to settle questions of difficulty. The technical difficulty of separating essential services from the other consumers on the same distribution circuits has made it necessary, for the Government, in the main, to rely on the cooperation of those other consumers in effecting the necessary reduction in consumption. It is this technical difficulty which has always prevented selective cuts in electricity consumption by compulsion.
The eight main London power stations have slightly more than six days' stock of coal (113,000 tons). Their consumption last week was 126,000 tons. Supplies reasonably in sight in transit in ships or on rail should be enough to prevent further loss of stock before Wednesday or Thursday. But the arrival of these supplies largely depends on the weather, and particularly on there being no fog. If, as the Government hopes, there is full cooperation by all consumers in carrying out the restriction scheme, stocks at the power stations should begin to rise. If there is not that cooperation, even more drastic measures will have to be taken. Reports this morning show an excellent response. In the other areas affected, that is, where coal movements to the power stations are difficult, the position is broadly similar to that in London, with stocks in many cases at less than a week's consumption. As regards prospects beyond the next few days, coal production and deliveries will inevitably be at a low level through traffic disorganization, and consequent lack of empty wagons. As soon as there is a reasonable margin of stocks at power stations, the first step must be to restore power for industry. It is too early to forecast when this will be.
The House is aware of the special difficulty in London, which is accustomed for its supply of coal for electrical generation 36 to depend on sea-borne coal from the North-East Coast. I would like here again to pay a tribute, especially to the seamen, and also to the dockers, the railwaymen, and all other transport workers, for the splendid response they have made, and also to all the people of this country. If we are to maintain essential services, there must be a drastic restriction of consumption of electricity by the general public. Owing to the nature of the electricity service this cannot be effected by order. It can only be done if people will follow the directions which have been given in the general interest. I propose this evening, as has already been announced, to broadcast to the nation, in the 9 o'clock news, an appeal to the people to cooperate in getting over this difficult period
§ Mr. ChurchillMay I, with the indulgence of the House, say, first, that it is the duty of everyone to comply with the directions of His Majesty's Government, and to do their utmost to help the public need in this awkward situation?
I should then like to ask the Prime Minister how it was that the intimation of these drastic cuts in the electricity supply, affecting the whole industry of the country, was only mentioned to the House at the end of a speech by the Minister of Fuel and Power, lateish on the afternoon of Friday last; and why due warning was not given beforehand? Further, is the Prime Minister also aware that there has been no opportunity of any kind to discuss this most important announcement, made by the Minister of Fuel and Power so late on the last occasion when we met? In these circumstances, what are the Prime Minister's ideas about an immediate Debate upon this matter?
§ The Prime MinisterThe decisions to make these cuts were taken on Friday morning. That was the time at which we were assured that the state of affairs demanded it. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power had to deal with a number of matters of which notice had been given by my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke (Mr. Ellis Smith) and an hon. Member on the other side of the House. After dealing with those points, raised on the particular matter of restrictions, and so forth, he then made the announcement to the House. With regard to further opportunities for debate, I am sure my right hon. Friend the Leader of 37 the House will be perfectly willing to meet the right hon. Gentleman, if he makes any proper request.
§ Mr. ChurchillMay I ask why the decision to make these drastic cuts was only reached as late as the morning of Friday? Secondly, once the decision was made, why did not the Minister of Fuel and Power, or the Prime Minister himself, or some other important functionary opposite, inform the House immediately, in order to enlighten them on the Debate, which would never have taken place if we ourselves had not forced it upon the House?
§ The prime MinisterI gather there are quite a number of other hon. Members who also want to ask questions. I am quite prepared to answer them. We took our decision on this matter when the reports of the experts told us that it was necessary. That was not until Friday morning. The House was meeting at eleven o'clock, and we were still discussing these matters and receiving reports when the House met. We made the statement as early as we could.
§ Mr. EdenSince the right hon. Gentleman was not here on Friday, he is not aware that the Minister of Fuel and Power gave us no information at all about the situation until the closing phrases of a forty minute speech, the greater part of which was spent in abusing the Opposition for having dared to suggest that there might conceivably be industrial uncertainty and crisis. If the Minister was in full possession of all this knowledge at the time when he came to the House, does not the Prime Minister think it would have been fair and just to the House to give it then instead of keeping it concealed until so late on Friday afternoon?
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend was replying to questions and attacks made upon him. He gave the information after that.
§ Captain PeartDoes my right hon. Friend agree that the fuel crisis, in the words of yesterday's "Observer,"has ancient roots involving the call-up of miners in 1942, and the long neglect of modernisation and mechanisation? Will my right hon. Friend appeal to His Majesty's Opposition to behave as patriotically as the miners?
§ Mr. Clement DaviesMay I ask the Prime Minister, or the acting Leader of the House, what it is proposed to do now? May I also be allowed to remind the Prime Minister that the statement made by the Minister of Fuel and Power was made as late as half-past three or quarter to four, and the only opportunity that we then had was confined to a very short space of time? I suggested then that today should be set aside for a full Debate upon the situation. I wish to reinforce that by saying that, not only was there a serious statement by the Minister then, but an even more serious one has been made now by the Prime Minister himself. The country is entitled to know, not only what the steps are in detail, but what the effect will be. The country expects this House to give guidance and the fullest possible information. Therefore, would it be possible for the Business for the day to be changed and for us to have a full Debate upon this matter?
§ The Prime MinisterI think the acting Leader of the House should reply to that question, which is one on Business.
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Arthur Greenwood)I am aware of the difficult circumstances of the Debate last Friday. There is a very deep interest in the House and in the country and I shall be very glad—[Laughter.] I wish hon. Members would treat me with some respect. There is anxiety—of course there is. I am trying to reply to a perfectly reasonable question, which was put by the Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of the Liberal Party. I do not want any heat about this. It is most unfortunate that circumstances pressed us so hard, that the House on Friday did not have an opportunity of discussing the statement. I am perfectly prepared to arrange, through the usual channels, at the earliest possible date, for a Debate to take place.
§ Mr. Clement DaviesWhy not today? I am grateful to the acting Leader of the House for his courtesy. This matter is so vital that I suggest that the only way in which we can debate it in full now, is for the Government to move the Adjournment of the House.
§ Mr. GreenwoodThe Prime Minister has made a statement, the full import of which it is very difficult for people to appreciate when they have only heard it 39 read.[Interruption.] There must be a lot of statisticians opposite who can understand all the figures which have been quoted. I should have thought a little reflection might have been all to the good. I am willing to make a concession to the House— [Interruption.] Ignoring these interruptions, I am prepared to make a concession for an early Debate. If there is an insistent request, indicating that the House wants it today — [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] I do not know whether there is yet, but if there is, I assure the House that the Debate can take place today I should have thought myself, that it might have been more advisable to have it tomorrow, but I am in the hands of the House.
§ Sir Patrick HannonIn support of the proposal made by my right hon. and learned Friend the Leader of the Liberal Party, I would press for an immediate Debate. This morning at 9 a.m. nearly a quarter of a million workpeople were put out of work in Birmingham, and in Sheffield the electricity supply was cut oft and practically the whole industry of that great city was brought to a standstill. This is the most serious crisis we have faced in our time.
§ Mr. GreenwoodAfter we have disposed of the Motion in connection with the Report of the Committee of Privileges, which I think must be taken at the earliest opportunity, and which I hope will not take too long, I am then prepared to have the Adjournment moved to allow a general discussion on this matter.
§ Mr. ChurchillI think this is a very good solution, achieved, if not through the usual channels, at any rate through broader channels on the Floor of the House. It seems to me that the Debate on the Committee of Privileges ought not to take very long. I understand that we shall then get on to an immediate discussion on the fuel and power situation. In those circumstances I will not press the Motion which, otherwise, it would have been my duty to move, for the Adjournment of the House.