HC Deb 08 March 1948 vol 448 cc779-80
27. Mr. Teeling

asked the Minister of Works what powers of requisitioning have been delegated to the Electricity Boards by his Ministry; and under what circumstances can the Electricity Board request the Minister of Works to requisition property.

Mr. Key

I have delegated no powers of requisitioning to the Electricity Board. It is open to the Central Electricity Authority, through the Ministry of Fuel and Power, to ask my Ministry to help in the provision of accommodation. It would be for me to decide how I met that request.

Mr. Teeling

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when this matter was being put before the Hove Council they were informed by a representative of the Electricity Board that the Board had power to requisition if they so desired, and that on that occasion the matter was passed only by a majority of one? Is he aware that now everybody believes that requisitioning was threatened?

Mr. Key

I was asked what powers had delegated to Electricity Boards. I said I had delegated none.

Mr. Erroll

Does the Minister's reply mean that he can use Government authority to requisition property for the British Electricity Authority?

Mr. Key

I have not said so, but in exceptional circumstances, if it were necessary to provide accommodation, it might be possible so to do.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The answer means "yes."