HC Deb 24 May 1954 vol 528 cc11-2
19. Mr. Palmer

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will make a statement on the arrangements he has made for co-ordination in the national interest of the broad policy of the fuel and power industries.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Fuel and Power (Mr. L. W. Joynson-Hicks)

My right hon. Friend approves the investment and research programmes of each nationalised industry, and for more general purposes he has the help of a co-ordinating committee which consists of the heads of the three industries concerned.

Mr. Palmer

Do these arrangements carry out fully the intentions of the Ridley Report?

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Does the hon. Gentleman actually tell us that, having regard to the Ridley Report, he considers that the Government have taken the required steps to promote a national fuel policy?

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Yes, Sir. In reply to a Question some time ago I indicated that the Government had implemented the majority of the major recommendations of the Ridley Report, except Nos. 39 and 40, which we did not accept.