Minister's Functions

HC Deb 24 November 1952 vol 508 cc2-3

8. Mr. M. MacPherson

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power in what statutes or other instruments the powers and duties of his Department are defined.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

My general functions are defined in Section 1 of the Ministry of Fuel and Power Act, 1945. With regard to specific functions, I will, with permission, circulate a list in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. MacPherson

Does the Minister recall that a few days ago, in a non-oral Question, I asked him what was the authority on which he gave a direction to the oil companies, and his reply was that it was simply by virtue of his office as Minister of Fuel and Power and as a Member of Her Majesty's Government? Was not that reply singularly uninformative and also a little discourteous?

Mr. Lloyd

No, Sir; I think it was neither the one nor the other. Certainly, it was not intended to be.

Mr. Manuel

What was it then?

Following is the list: I have specific functions under numerous Acts, of which the more important are:

• Metalliferous Mines Regulation Act, 1872.
• Electricity (Supply) Acts, 1882 to 1936.
• Quarries Act, 1894.
• Coal Mines Act, 1911.
• Mining Industry Act, 1920.
• Petroleum (Production) Act, 1934.
• Coal Industry Nationalisation Act, 1946.
• Electricity Act, 1947.
• Gas Act, 1948.

I also have functions under certain Defence Regulations of which the more important are Defence (General) Regulations 16, 50, 51, 51A, 55, 55AA, 55AB, 56A and 60A.