§ Q1. Mr. Ginsburgasked the Prime Minister, if, having regard to the Report of the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries dealing with the Electricity Supply Industry, and particularly paragraphs 400–5, he is satisfied with arrangements for co-ordinating Ministerial decisions about the nuclear energy and generating programmes; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)Yes, Sir. Ministerial decisions are co-ordinated in the usual way, when necessary through the Cabinet and its Committees. The views expressed in the Report from the Select Committee on the Nationalised Industries about coordination below Ministerial level have been noted.
§ Mr. GinsburgWill the Prime Minister reread the Report? Has there not been a deplorable lack of consultation between the nationalised Boards themselves and between Government Departments? Has not the result of this complete lack of a fuel and power policy been power cuts last winter and the prospect of severe power cuts in the next few winters as well?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, I do not think there has been a lack of consultation. Of course, there is always room for improvement, and that we shall carry forward.
§ Mr. WarbeyIf the Prime Minister is satisfied with the arrangements, can he say how it is that the Government have not yet worked out the fuel equation for the next decade and published it, and taken steps to see that all branches of the fuel industry, including the oil and gas industries, comply with it?
§ The Prime MinisterWith regard to the figures for the next decade, I do 720 not carry them in my head and perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question.