§ 28 and 29. Mr. A. J. Irvineasked the Minister of Fuel and Power (1) what general direction he has issued in relation to the disbandment of sub-area organisations in the electricity supply system.
(2) what general directions he has issued that large-scale reorganisations within the electricity supply system shall not take effect without prior joint consultation.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydNone, Sir.
§ Mr. IrvineIs it not a fact that the procedure of disbanding the sub-area organisation of the London area is likely to have a considerable effect upon working conditions and will result in redundancy? Is that a matter to be dealt with by a general direction? As regards the second Question, is the Minister aware that there are workers in the industry, whose political affiliations are not suspect and who are entitled to be heard, who are of the opinion that the joint consultation that has taken place has consisted of the handing out of prior information, which is not, in the true sense, joint consultation at all?
§ Mr. LloydI understand this body is experimenting with certain reorganisation with a view to reducing its administrative costs. I am sure we are all in favour of joint consultation, but carrying it out in detail and questions of administrative economy are surely matters for the boards themselves.