HC Deb 31 January 1963 vol 670 c1118
19. Mr. Harper

asked the Minister of Power if he will give a general direction to the Central Electricity Generating Board to dispose of its fly ash by open public tender instead of giving sole marketing rights to certain traders.

Mr. Wood

No, Sir. The sale— [Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order. The point has been reached when I give warning that those who deliberately interrupt Question Time will, if necessary, be removed from the Chamber.

Mr. Wood

No, Sir. The sale of fly ash from its power stations is a commercial matter for the Central Electricity Generating Board.

Mr. Harper

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the Central Electricity Generating Board has virtually set up a monopoly for the supply of this ash? Is he further aware that a contracting firm in my constituency, which over many years has sold huge amounts of this material, has had to decline invitations to tender simply because it realises that if it did tender it would be out-priced by the firm with monopoly rights? Will the right hon. Gentleman have another look at this and do as is suggested in my Question?

Mr. Wood

No, Sir. This is a matter for the Board and I understand that its Chairman has written to the hon. Member to explain his view. I do not think that there is anything I need add to the Chairman's letter on this occasion.

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