HC Deb 06 February 1968 vol 758 cc216-7
43. Mr. Palmer

asked the Minister of Power when he expects to introduce legislation to alter the organisation of the electricity and gas industries.

Mr. Marsh

I am examining whether there is a need for changes in the structure and organisation of the gas and electricity industries. I have no proposals for legislation at this moment.

Mr. Palmer

Has my right hon. Friend seen the detailed reports which have appeared on this matter in the Economist, the Financial Times and other newspapers? is he aware that speculation of this kind is unsettling to the staffs in the electricity and gas industries? Will he make a statement soon?

Mr. Marsh

I cannot be held responsible for what appears in, for example, the Economist. If I were, that would indeed be taking something on hand. On the general point of the organisation of these industries, I would remind my hon. Friend that these are very big industries and that it is important that the study should be comprehensive. Certainly no steps will be taken which would lead to a loss of savings which could otherwise be made.