HC Deb 16 April 1956 vol 551 cc660-2
12. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power what representations he has received concerning the need for an assisted wiring scheme for consumers of electricity in Metropolitan boroughs; and what action he is taking in view of his responsibilities under Section 60 of the Electricity Act, 1947.

Mr. Aubrey Jones

I have received representations that the London Electricity Board should introduce an assisted wiring scheme to help tenants in Metropolitan boroughs whose houses had faulty electrical wiring, but the Board, with the full agreement of the London Electricity Consultative Council, has decided that it would not be justified in doing so in present circumstances. Section 60 of the 1947 Act gives me no powers to make any board introduce an assisted wiring scheme.

Mr. Stewart

Does not Section 60 give the right hon. Gentleman power to make such regulations as he sees fit for the purposes of safety, and since the object of an assisted wiring scheme is to promote safety, why could he not make regulations dealing with such a scheme?

Mr. Jones

This is very largely a matter of legal interpretation, but I assure the hon. Gentleman that Section 60 gives me no powers to make regulations with regard to wiring, and that is the point in question.

Mr. Stewart

Will the Minister say why the London Electricity Board cannot do what the various Metropolitan boroughs, who used to own these undertakings, were able to do?

Mr. Jones

As I understand it, the London Electricity Board is actuated, and is proud to be actuated, by commercial considerations. It has concluded that these considerations would not justify its introducing such a scheme no matter how many schemes may be introduced by other boards. For my part, it is not for me to question or interfere with the commercial judgment of any individual board.

Mr. Stewart

Ought not public enterprises to be run in accordance with social as well as commercial considerations as was done by the excellent public enterprises which used to run these undertakings?

Mr. Jones

I should be the last to dissent from that admirable proposition.

Mr. Callaghan

Does the Minister assent to the first part of the proposition, that these enterprises should be run having regard to social obligations as well as to their commercial profitability?

Mr. Jones

I would say that nationalised undertakings should have an eye to commercial considerations, but, being public undertakings, they ought to display slightly greater latitude than private undertakings having regard to social considerations. As I understand, it is the conclusion of the London Electricity Board, rightly or wrongly, that it ought not to introduce any scheme of this nature. It is not for me to interfere with its judgment.