§ 13. Mr. Nabarroasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the aggregate installed capacity in megawatts of generators 853 owned privately and independently of the British Electricity Authority and North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board at 31st December, 1952, to augment the public capacity of 17,165 megawatts at that date; and what steps are being taken to encourage parallel working.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydI regret that the figure is not available. The British Electricity Authority, the Federation of British Industries and the National Union of Manufacturers have set up a Joint Committee to consider the technical requirements of this problem.
§ Mr. NabarroMy right hon. Friend says that the figure is not available. Is he aware that the Census of Production now being sent out by the Board of Trade includes an inquiry into the use of independent generators? Could he try to get this figure within a few months so that we may know what power capacity is available other than that from public sources?
§ Mr. LloydYes, Sir. It was because I knew it was not available but hoped that it might be available in some months' time that I said it was not available now.
§ Mr. ManuelOn the question of the use of independent generators in the North of Scotland, and anywhere else in which hon. Members are interested, will the right hon. Gentleman see that there is price control for the consumers in the same way as the price is controlled and agreed by the Hydro-electricity Board in providing electricity to the crofting areas and other North of Scotland areas?
§ Sir H WilliamsIs my right hon. Friend aware that a lot of independent generating plant is used by people who supply themselves, so that the price factor does not arise?