HC Deb 27 April 1953 vol 514 cc1733-4
10. Mr. Palmer

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will ensure that, in carrying out the recommendations of the Ridley Report on National Fuel Policy, the principle of free consumer choice is maintained between gas, electricity and solid fuel for domestic use.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

Yes, sir.

Mr. Palmer

Is the Minister aware that that answer will give great satisfaction to the electricity supply industry?

Mr. Nabarro

Does my right hon. Friend recall that the Ridley Report, while supporting competition between these industries, pointed out that such competition would be possible only where price was properly related to costs? What is being done in that connection, particularly in regard to the electricity supply industry?

Mr. Lloyd

I appreciate my hon. Friend's point and I am in touch with the nationalised industries on it.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will the Minister bend his efforts to ensuring that gas, electricity and solid fuel are each used for the purpose for which they are most efficient? Will he recognise that there is a great deal to be done?