HC Deb 05 February 1951 vol 483 cc1325-6
24. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps he has taken to secure that the publicity activities of the electricity and gas industries are co-ordinated with his efforts to secure economy in the use by the public of electricity and gas.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

I have set up a committee consisting of representatives of the electricity and gas industries, the National Coal Board and the Coal Utilisation Joint Council, with my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to my Ministry in the chair. I have asked the committee to ensure that all the publicity work of the three industries is co-ordinated with the efforts of my Department to secure economy in the use of fuel and power.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared, from time to time, to inform the House of the doings of this committee, and, in particular, will he answer questions about its doings?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I should like notice of that question.

Mr. Nabarro

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Parliamentary Secretary, in winding up last Thursday's coal debate, gave a specific assurance that an early statement would be made on the question of co-ordinating policy, and may we know when that statement will be available?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put his question down.