HC Deb 24 March 1949 vol 463 cc537-8
19. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if his attention has been drawn to the action of the Midlands Electricity Board in entering the retail electrical trade, including wireless and television sets, and of other area boards in retail selling of lamps; and if, in view of the fact that the public is already well served in this respect, he will make a statement as to the instruction he will issue to the British Electricity Authority to desist from ancillary activities of this character and concentrate on its main functions of providing enough cheap electricity for all.

20. Mr. Baldwin

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that the decision of the electricity boards to undertake the retail sale of wireless and television sets will have a prejudicial effect on the livelihood of retail traders; and whether he will make a statement as to the instructions he will issue to them to desist from this undertaking.

Mr. Gaitskell

I am aware of the action taken by the Midlands Electricity Board and other area boards in retailing and servicing electrical fittings. The area boards are acting within the powers conferred upon them by Parliament in the Electricity Act, 1947, and I do not propose to intervene.

Mr. Erroll

Is not this intervention into a well covered field an example of the very duplication of retail trade facilities which the Government deplore in other connections?

Mr. Gaitskell

I should have thought it should be more properly called free competition.

Mr. Baldwin

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the danger which will arise when these nationalised boards undertake retail services where they can cover up losses if they find competition against them is too strong by extra charges to the consumers of electricity?

Mr. Gaitskell

That would be disclosed in their accounts.

Mr. Palmer

Is my right hon. Friend aware that electric lamps, television receivers, wireless sets and electrical apparatus have been retailed by electricity undertakings for a great many years?

Mr. Gaitskell

My hon. Friend is perfectly right.