HC Deb 29 September 1949 vol 468 c299
Mr. Raikes

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is now in a position to state when the first annual report of the British Electricity Authority will be published?

The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Gaitskell)

No, Sir: not precisely, but I hope in about two months' time.

Mr. Raikes

Is the Minister aware that it is now 18 months since electricity was vested on All Fools' Day, 1947? Is he further aware that the public, having been fooled once by a rise in costs, are anxious to know whether in addition to that there will be a loss on the first year's working or whether in fact the Authority has contrived to make a profit out of the pockets of the public?

Mr. Gaitskell

I would advise the hon. Member not to draw too heavily on his imagination but to await the publication of the Report.

Mr. R. S. Hudson

Is the Minister aware that the National Coal Board were censured by the Auditor-General for their dilatoriness in producing their Report, and is there any reason why, if they can produce their Report in eight months, the Electricity Authority should not be able to do the same?

Mr. Gaitskell

I am not aware of that but the circumstances are by no means the same in the two cases.

Mr. Gallagher

Is the Minister aware that if he cut down the £15 million to the coal owners to 15s. there would be a profit?