§ 23. Mr. Palmerasked the Minister of Power what arrangements have been made to enable his Department to draw upon overseas experience in its work on energy policy.
§ Mr. MasonMy Department plays a full part in the work of the Energy and related Committees of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; in the work of the fuel committees of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe; and maintains close contact with the European Commission notably through the Council of Association with the European Coal and Steel Community.
§ Mr. PalmerWould not my right hon. Friend agree that in addition to drawing on overseas experience we should be encouraging the nationalised fuel industry to visit consultancy services abroad?
§ Mr. MasonYes, Sir. I am not aware of the extent to which this ought to go, but I am willing to look at it.
§ Sir G. NabarroDo all these things lead to cheaper electricity, which is what we all want, and improvement in electricity load factor, which is the only way by which greater efficiency can be achieved?
§ Mr. MasonIf I were generalising I would say, yes, because it enables our Department and the fuel industries to draw on the widest possible experience, especially of European nations who have similar problems to ours.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs my right hon. Friend aware that the Scottish Gas Board is being consulted by the Greek Government and others in regard to its experience?