§ 35. Mr. Palmerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what consultations he has had with the Chairman and members of the Central Electricity Authority in connection with the proposed legislation for the reorganisation of the electricity supply industry; and with what result.
§ Mr. Aubrey JonesI have had consultations with the Chairman and the two Deputy- Chairmen of the Central Electricity Authority and all the Chairmen of the Area Boards. In formulating the proposals that I have laid before Parliament, full account was taken of their views upon the organisation of the industry.
§ Mr. PalmerIn view of the fact that many of us in this House are anxious to reach a fair conclusion of the merits or otherwise of this proposed legislation, will the right hon. Gentleman consider making available to the House the views of the Central Electricity Authority and the area boards, particularly as the evidence given by the Central Electricity Authority to the Herbert Committee was not published?
§ Mr. JonesThat is a question which I can answer only after consultation with the Central Electricity Authority, but I should like to make it quite clear that the Government, and the Government alone, assume responsibility for the nature of the legislation put forward.