HC Deb 28 March 1963 vol 674 c1516
38. Mr. Hooson

asked the Minister of Power whether he will introduce legislation to ensure that the consultative councils for the electricity industry make their meetings open to the Press.

Mr. Wood

This is a matter which electricity consultative councils should decide for themselves. Their practice is to exclude the Press only when they think this justified in the interests of electricity consumers.

Mr. Hooson

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply, but is he not aware that in some areas much of the work of the consultative councils is done through general purpose committees, which are virtually the councils under another name, and that from their meetings the Press are excluded? Will he investigate the position?

Mr. Wood

I understand that the councils necessarily want to discuss some of their business—such as the early stages of tariff changes and so on—without the Press being present. It is right that they should be allowed to do this. I understand that all the meetings of the committee in my hon. Friend's electricity area are open to the Press.

Mr. Hooson

As the consultative councils represent the interests of the consumers, is it not important that the Press should be admitted virtually to all the meetings?

Mr. Wood

That is exactly the position in the area of my hon. Friend. All the committee meetings are open to the Press.