§ 2. Sir J. Edenasked the Minister of Power whether he will now make a statement about the reorganisation of the electricity supply industry.
§ 9. Mr. Palmerasked the Minister of Power if he is now able to make a statement on the reorganisation of the electricity supply industry.
§ The Minister of Power (Mr. Roy Mason)I made a statement on the reorganisation of the electricity supply industry last Friday.—[Vol. 787, c. 1091.]
§ Sir J. EdenArising from that statement, would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the Central Electricity Generating Board will still be much the dominant force and major spending element in the new Authority? As such, does not he agree that there would have been some greater advantage from having more than one generating authority? Why does he not go for that at this stage? Will he say something about cross-posting between boards? Would not he agree that there are so many questions still to be answered arising from his statement that a White Paper would be helpful?
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. Long supplementary questions mean fewer questions.
§ Mr. MasonI have not closed my mind to the possibility of issuing a White Paper. I hope that cross-posting will be encouraged. The Central Electricity Generating Board will be the biggest spender, but I think that the Authority, given its new powers, will be able to control the spending, and because it will have power over the capital investment programme of the industry as a whole. I shall be better advised.
§ Mr. PalmerWhen does my right hon. Friend hope to bring the legislation forward?