§ 36 and 37. Mr. Gammansasked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) how many chief engineers and senior technical officers previously employed by electricity distribution companies and local authorities will not be taken over by the British Electricity Authority, and what terms of compensation for loss of office they may expect to receive;
(2) on what date he proposes to issue regulations on compensation, which he is required to make under Section 55 of the Electricity Act, 1947; and what has caused the delay in so doing since the passage of the Act.
§ Mr. RobensIt is not yet possible to say how many of these officers may eventually be redundant, but I am advised by the British Electricity Authority that the number of cases is likely to be small. The question of compensation will be dealt with under the regulations to be issued in accordance with Section 55 of the Act. I am unable at present to say when the regulations will be laid. They must first be discussed in draft with representatives of the associations and unions catering for employees in the industry.
§ Mr. GammansCan the Parliamentary Secretary assure the House that none of these officers has been dispensed with without being paid any compensation? Can he give some better indication of when these regulations will come out, as they will affect the livelihood of a large number of people?
§ Mr. RobensI think it is reasonable to give an opportunity to the Employees' National Committee, which represents all 1996 the interests, to discuss the draft regulations so that no eventuality, such as the hon. Member has suggested, may occur.
§ Mr. GammansWill the Parliamentary Secretary say, then, if any officer has been stood off without compensation?
§ Mr. RobensAs the terms of compensation have not yet been made known, that obviously may have happened, but I should have to have notice of the details of any case.