§ 15. Sir B. Rhys Williamsasked the Minister of Power whether in future he will offer opportunities for Members of Parliament to participate at some stage in the annual review of investment for the nationalised fuel industries.
§ Sir B. Rhys WilliamsWould it not be helpful to the Minister to have an informed body of Members of Parliament behind him in his dealings with heads of the nationalised industries?
§ Mr. MasonNo, Sir. The formulation of policy is my responsibility, and I am answerable to the House. I believe in participation, but that would be ridiculous: 630 Ministers, or—as I imagine the nationalised industries would say—630 more interferers.
§ 29. Mr. Alisonasked the Minister of Power on what assumptions about pricing policy he bases his present system of appraising the investment plans of the nationalised fuel industries.
§ Mr. MasonEach industry has a pricing policy which takes account of its particular circumstances. It is in the light of that policy, and the views on pricing expressed in Cmnd. 3437, that I appraise the industry's investment plans.
§ Mr. AlisonWhat will the Minister's policy be towards the recommendation published by the Select Committee on Nationalised Industries that his industry should adopt long-run marginal cost pricing for new investments?
§ Mr. MasonWe have not determined policy on that yet. The marginal cost pricing policy is certainly under consideration, but with the background of the White Paper, Cmnd. 3437, in mind.
§ Mr. BrooksWould my right hon. Friend care to comment on the implications of the recent decision to extend the effective life of the A.G.R. stations? Does not that significantly affect the investment priorities for power stations generally?
§ Mr. MasonYes, Sir. There will have to be fresh consideration, as they have now been given 25 years' life instead of 20.
§ Sir J. EdenHas the Minister had an opportunity to study Lord Robens's recent offer of coal in 1975 at 3½d. a term? Will he confirm that this would be on the basis of marginal costing?
§ Mr. MasonI hope that the hon. Gentleman will listen to what I say. I said in answer to an earlier Question that no specific offer has been made by the Chairman of the National Coal Board. Therefore, the public comment about a record low offer is about an offer that does not yet exist as far as we are concerned.