§ 38. Sir H. Williamsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what proportion of the generating plant of the British Electricity Authority was out of operation on 31st October because of overhaul.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerI am informed by the British Electricity Authority that the proportion of their generating plant which was out of operation on the 31st October because of overhaul was 12.2 per cent.
§ Sir H. WilliamsWill the Minister say why it was that, in an inspired paragraph in the evening newspapers last Friday, it was stated that the proportion was 20 per cent.? Is he also aware that, in a great many cases, the overhaul commenced late in July, instead of early in June?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe overhaul has to be phased throughout the year, and, in addition to the overhaul, there was some capacity out of use bceause of breakdowns. The hon. Gentleman, who has great knowledge of these things, which we all respect, knows that we have had to keep in continuous use a great deal of old plant which, before the war, would have been replaced.