§ 38. Mr. Stevensasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what provision he has made for compensation for damage caused by irregular and inefficient supply of electricity by an electricity board in his regulations made under Section 60 (1) of the Electricity Act, 1947.
§ Mr. RentonNone, Sir. Compensation is a matter to be settled in the courts, and the 1947 Act gives my right hon. Friend no power to make regulations on the subject.
§ Mr. StevensIs my hon. and learned Friend not aware that circumstances do arise where, after there has been a cessation of power due to failure at the power station, on reconnection there is a surge which may damage television sets and other electrical equipment? Does he not feel that the owners of that equipment are entitled to compensation from his Authority?
§ Mr. RentonThere can be all kinds of unfortunate consequences of power cuts and technical faults. If anybody wishes to claim compensation, that is a matter for the courts to decide and not one which could be decided in advance by making complicated regulations.