Gas Consultative Council, S.E. Region (Hansard, 14 April 1949)

HC Deb 14 April 1949 vol 463 cc3021-2 3021

§ 32. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter
asked the Minister of Fuel and Power which bodies and associations were invited to nominate candidates for appointment to the Gas Consultative Council South Eastern Region; and if he will give the names of the bodies or associations whose candidates have been appointed to the committee.

§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Gaitskell)
As regards the first part of the Question, since the list is a long one I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The South Eastern Gas Consultative Council has not yet been appointed, and the second part of the Question, does not, therefore, arise.

§ Mr. Boyd-Carpenter
In view of the right hon. Gentleman's action in providing that vesting day shall be 1st May, can he give an assurance that this Council will be appointed before vesting day?

§ Mr. Gaitskell
No, Sir. Under the Act a period of six months is allowed after vesting day before the Council has to be appointed.

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§ Mr. Boyd-Carpenter
Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman is satisfied to leave consumers without any protection whatsoever for that period?

§ Mr. Gaitskell
No, Sir. I expect the Council will be appointed well in advance of the six months' date.

§ Mr. P. Thorneycroft
Is not this all part of the Socialist Party's policy for a better deal for the consumer?

§ Following is the list:

§ The following bodies have been asked to nominate candidates for appointment to the South Eastern Gas Consultative Council under the Gas Act, 1948:

The Association of Municipal Corporations.
The Urban District Councils' Association.
The Rural District Councils' Association.
The County Councils' Association.
The Joint Standing Committee of Metropolitan Boroughs.
The London County Council.
The Association of British Chambers of Commerce.
The Federation of British Industries.
The National Union of Manufacturers.
The Parliamentary Committee of Cooperative Congress.
The Trades Union Congress.
The National Council of Women.
The Standing Joint Committee of Working Women's Organisations.
The National Federation of Women's Institutes.
The Women's Gas Council.
The Women's Voluntary Services.