HC Deb 12 February 1948 vol 447 cc570-1
51. Mr. Shephard

asked the Minister of Labour if he is now in a position to announce the date when staggering of hours will be suspended.

Mr. Isaacs

It was always contemplated that the arrangements for spreading the industrial electricity load should operate during the winter months only. The Regional Boards for Industry and their district and other committees are accordingly being asked to make the necessary arrangements for a general suspension of these measures from 29th March. The Government recognise the desirability of affording the earliest possible relief to the two sides of industry from the onerous obligations imposed on them by the arrangements, and the above date has been fixed in the light of the consideration that by that time, aided by the change in hours, the afternoon peak period should have been substantially reduced. It is essential, however, that all users of electricity should continue to exercise the utmost economy should any cold spell occur, and particularly during the morning peak hours between 8 a.m. and 12 noon. This applies with particular force to domestic and other non-industrial users.

I should emphasise that the problem which will recur next autumn will be no less serious than that which faced us last autumn, and that the system of staggering hours will have to be reintroduced at about the same period as last year. This matter will be kept under review so that the Regional Boards and industry can receive guidance as early as possible. The various measures which have been developed by the Central Electricity Board and Electricity Supply Undertakings to minimise the effects on industry of any unavoidable cuts will meanwhile continue in operation.

I cannot conclude this statement without expressing the Government's warm appreciation of the manner in which this heavy task has been discharged by the Regional Boards and their district town and other local committees. The co-operation and public spirit of employers and workers in this matter have also been beyond praise.

Mr. Shephard

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statement he has made will give very great satisfaction to those workers who have suffered very great inconvenience through this imposition? Will he consider reducing the period next season, when there will be more generating plant?

Mr. Isaacs

The Electricity Boards and their advisers have been most helpful in this matter, and I can assure the House that there will be no attempt to impose this difficulty upon our workers and managements longer than is absolutely necessary.