HC Deb 17 June 1948 vol 452 cc641-2
32. Colonel Clarke

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power, in view of the uncertainty with regard to the compensation regulations which the Minister is required by Section 55 of the Electricity Act to lay before Parliament, which are the trade unions and other employee organisations with which he is now negotiating with regard to the terms of these regulations; what is the state of these negotiations; and when it is likely that they will be concluded.

Mr. Gaitskell

My officials have discussed the basis on which these regulations should be drafted with the Employees' National Committee and other associations. Further consultations are pending and I cannot yet say when they are likely to be concluded. I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the trade unions and associations concerned.

Colonel Clarke

Will the Minister bear in mind that this is his personal responsibility and not that of the British Electricity authority; and that this continued absence of regulations, after a period of 10 months, is causing considerable alarm and despondency amongst employees who do not know their future? Does the Minister recollect that during the passage of the Bill through the House the Opposition pressed him to include the regulations in the Bill instead of leaving them to be issued afterwards?

Mr. Gaitskell

No one has ever suggested that the responsibility is not that of the Minister. A number of associations and trade unions have to be consulted. This is a complicated matter and is bound to take time.

Following is the list:

Trade unions and associations represented on the Employees' National Committee

Other associations: The Association of Officers and Staff Members of Electricity (Power and Supply Companies of Great Britain) and the Incorporated Association of Power Companies (in liquidation).