HC Deb 03 April 1957 vol 568 cc533-4
Mr. Renton

I beg to move, in page 7, line 18, after the first "Board", to insert "and".

Mr. Speaker

It might be for the convenience of the House if this Amendment were discussed with the three following Amendments on the Paper.

Mr. Renton

As you have suggested, Mr. Speaker, it would be convenient if these four Amendments were taken together. I can deal with them shortly. They are put forward in pursuance of an undertaking given to the hon. and learned Member for Walsall, North (Mr. W. Wells) by my right hon. Friend during Committee stage. The Amendments require the Electricity Council to include in its report to the Minister on the performance of its functions in the financial year a general review of the activities and progress during the year of the industry as a whole in England and Wales. That seems to be an obviously proper thing for it to do, bearing in mind such general responsibilities as it has under the Act. I hope that this Amendment will appeal to the House.

Mr. Palmer

We are grateful to the Government for bringing forward this Amendment. It is in line with the suggestion which we made in Standing Committee, and we are grateful for the accommodation made.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendments made: In page 7, line 18, leave out "and the Electricity Council".

In line 24, at end insert: (2) As soon as possible after copies of the reports of the Generating Board and all the Area Boards for any financial year have been received by the Electricity Council, the Council shall make to the Minister a report consisting of—

  1. (a) a report on the performance by the Council of their functions during that year, and on the policy and programmes of the Council, and
  2. (b) a general review of the activities and progress during that year of the electricity supply industry in England and Wales, taking that industry as a whole.

In line 25, leave out from "Every" to "the" in line 26 and insert: report made under this section by an Area Board, the Generating Board or ".—[Mr. Renton.]