§ 15. Mr. Palmerasked the Minister of Labour what progress is being made with arrangements for staggering working hours and night shifts in industry in order to reduce the peak demands on electricity generating capacity next winter.
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsI am glad to say that considerable progress has already been made. Since the publication of the report of the Electricity Sub-Committee of the Joint Consultative Committee on 12th May, the matter is being examined afresh by the Regional Boards for industry and their district committees.
§ Mr. PalmerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the need to make some progress on this matter fairly soon in view of the fact that the electrical load shedding season is likely to start in October?
§ Mr. Ness EdwardsWe are aware of the urgency of this matter and most employers are playing the game, but the scheme is being prejudiced by the resistance of some employers who will not accept the principle of staggering. That matter is actively under consideration, and we are having advice from both sides of industry.