§ 53. Mr. Isaacsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power why, in view of the policy of the Government with regard to the day-to-day activities of nationalised industries, he accepts invitations to visit individual gas works; how many such visits he has paid in the last three months; and if he will name the works concerned and make a report to the House on the reason for, and the result of, each such visit.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydI have made no visit to gasworks in the last three months, but I hold myself free to make such visits if I consider that they will assist me in the performance of my duties, either at the invitation of the gas board concerned or on my own initiative.
§ Mr. IsaacsWhen does the right hon. Gentleman propose to make the visit which, at the Conservative Party conference, he said he would be delighted to make? When does he propose to visit the Old Kent Road gasworks, where he was told he could save £200,000 a year as a result of a two hours' visit?
§ Mr. IsaacsWould the right hon. Gentleman report to the House when he has, in fact, "knocked 'em in the Old Kent Road?
§ Mr. LloydI am surprised at the right hon. Gentleman's sensitivity. I think it is important that we should preserve free speech in these matters.