§ 75. Mr. Toucheasked the Minister of Fuel and Power why the London and Home Counties Joint Electricity Authority sent out representatives on 10th February in the Dorking area to enter many industrial premises without notice to the occupiers to remove the fuse gear; if he is aware that this action caused much resentment to the occupiers concerned; and on what statutory authority such action was taken.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe London and Home Counties Joint Electricity Authority interpreted the original instructions they received as requiring them to cut off supplies to industrial consumers and regarded themselves as covered by Section 24 of the Electric Lighting Act, 1882. I understand that the supplies were reconnected on Tuesday, 'Ph February.
§ Mr. ToucheIs it not rather a pity that the Minister did not give clear instructions, so that we should not have this high handed action?
§ Mr. ShinwellThe instruction was sent out by the Electricity Commissioners under statutory authority.
§ 76. Mr. Toucheasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that, on Saturday, 8th February, the Capel Laundry Company, Limited, Capel, Surrey, were informed by the Board of Trade that their electric supply would be maintained as an essential service, but that on Monday the supply was cut off as the London and Home Counties Joint Electricity Authority had not received any instructions as to giving such priority; and if he will make a statement on the subject.
§ Mr. ShinwellI am informed that the supply of electricity to the Capel Laundry Company Limited was disconnected on Monday, 10th February, before the London and Home Counties Joint Electricity Authority had received instructions that laundries were to be regarded as an essential service but that the supply was reconnected as from 4 p.m. on that date.
§ Mr. ToucheIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the supply was cut off again on Tuesday morning?
§ Mr. ShinwellI am not aware of that, and as this is regarded as an essential industry, it ought not to have been cut. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give me information about it.