§ 32. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power f he will make a statement as to the general directions he has given to the Boards of those publicly-owned industries for which he is responsible concerning the placing of their premises at the service of a political party.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydI have given no general direction to the boards of the nationalised fuel and power industries on this subject.
§ Mr. RobinsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have here a leaflet advertising the St. Pancras, North Conservative Association's Midsummer Market, that many of these leaflets were displayed last week on the counter of the 22 London Electricity Board's showrooms and the North Thames Gas Board's showrooms in Camden Town and that competitors in the cookery competition which is expressly designed to raise funds for the Conservative Party are instructed, on the back of the leaflet, to hand in their entries, with their entrance fees, to these showrooms on Saturday next?
§ Mr. LloydYes, Sir, I did make inquiries, and I have found that the facts which the hon. Gentleman has given are correct. It is quite clear that a mistake was made, but, if I may just say so, there is a general question which arises for consideration by the House. I believe that the most satisfactory method of getting these sorts of matters decided would be to have a conference, either through the usual channels or the party organisations, to ensure, absolutely clearly, that nothing wrong is done and that there is complete fairness between the parties.