§ 28. Mr. Donnerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power by what amount reductions have been made in the capital available to the electricity supply industry in the current financial year; and what percentage this cut constitutes.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerAn investment programme is approved for the calendar year. The amount originally sanctioned for electricity supply in 1950 was £113,000,000; but, after devaluation, it was decided to reduce the rate of expenditure to £102,000,000 a year. As 16 this reduction could not be made immediately effective, I regret that it is not yet possible to say what the actual saving in 1950 may turn out to be.
§ Mr. DonnerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, as a result of this policy, a number of my constituents are deprived of electricity even for lighting purposes? Will he take steps to improve the situation?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI want to improve the situation and I regretted the cuts, but I remember that the Opposition wanted much greater cuts than were actually made.