§ 63. Mr. Frederic Harrisasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that the regional electricity boards are infringing his regulations by cutting the supplies of electricity to persons and firms; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. RobensThe area electricity boards discontinue supplies only when they are interrupted by technical defects, or the demand exceeds the available capacity of generating plant. I am advised that such interruptions in supply are not an infringement of electricity supply regulations.
§ Mr. HarrisDoes the Minister know, then, on what authority these cuts are really imposed?
§ Mr. RobensThe Minister does know, of course. If the hon. Member would look at the Electricity Supply Regulations he would see that if there are cuts, those regulations are not infringed.
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksAre we now admitting that we are suffering cuts as opposed to shedding?
§ Mr. RobensI think it is within the recollection of the House that from time to time there have been cuts.