HC Deb 05 February 1951 vol 483 cc1327-8
30. Brigadier Prior-Palmer

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that insurance companies do not cover accidents which may be caused by a sudden fuel cut; and what provision he proposes to make to ensure that compensation is payable to individuals in the case of accident.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

I have no evidence that any insurance company has refused to issue policies to cover accidents which might result from power cuts. If the hon. and gallant Member has received evidence to this effect, perhaps he will be good enough to let me have it. I have not heard of any case in which personal injury has resulted from such an accident; I do not think, therefore, that any special provision for compensation is required.

Brigadier Prior-Palmer

If I produce the evidence, will the right hon. Gentleman go into the question of accidents caused to people in old peoples' homes and clubs as a result of sudden power cuts? Is he aware that insurance companies will not give cover to these people?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I will, of course, go into any evidence the hon. and gallant Member produces. Such people would have the normal benefits under the National Insurance system, and if there were injury in a factory it would be covered by the 1946 Act.

31. Sir Ian Fraser

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he can report the progress in the establishment of a warning system or a rota system for power cuts and load shedding in the area of Morecambe and Heysham and the area of the Lancaster Rural District Council.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

The establishment of a rota or warning system in the areas of Morecambe, Heysham, and the Lancaster Rural District Council is a matter for the North-Western Electricity Board, and I suggest that the hon. Member should write to them.

Sir I. Fraser

Is not the fact that this Question is on the Order Paper prima facie evidence that the Minister is responsible? Will he not therefore answer my Question, because this is not only important to this district but to all factories, which should be warned before a cut takes place?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I have had discussions with the B.E.A. and with the area boards on the general principle of national warnings, but I must leave local application to the boards themselves.