HC Deb 17 June 1948 vol 452 cc644-5
43. Mr. Wilson Harris

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many of the consultative councils contemplated under Section 7 of the Electricity Act, 1947, had been appointed by 1st June, 1948.

Mr. Gaitskell

None, Sir, but I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave last week to my hon. Friend, the Member for Enfield (Mr. Ernest Davies).

Mr. Harris

Is it not extremely unfortunate that two months after the vesting date of the Electricity Act, none of these councils has been appointed? Secondly, in view of the fact that the councils are charged specifically with consideration of any variation of tariffs where the variation of tariffs have taken place without consultation with the Council, can that be held to be in order?

Mr. Gaitskell

The difficulty is that I have to consult a very large number of different associations and some of those associations have not yet sent in proposals for membership of these councils. I cannot proceed to the final selection until I have those particulars. In the meanwhile, the electricity area boards are I know in various cases consulting with the associations before they make changes.

Mr. Peter Roberts

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is his responsibility and he cannot ride off by blaming other people, and that either he should have started earlier or he should get on with the job now?

Mr. Gaitskell

I am not trying to blame other people; I am stating facts.

Mr. Harris

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the variation in tariffs is valid in view of the fact that the councils were not consulted?

Mr. Gaitskell

Oh, yes, there is no doubt about that.

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