HC Deb 14 June 1971 vol 819 cc7-8
7. Mr. Palmer

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress so far of his discussions with the electricity boards on the possibility of removing from their ownership and control showrooms, contracting and similar other activities in the electrical utilisation field.

The Minister for Industry (Sir John Eden)

I have received the Electricity Council's views and am now considering them.

Mr. Palmer

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that rather pointless investigation has been going on for a long time, and is causing great worry and uncertainty to staff, and that the electricity supply industry is facing the keenest possible competition? Should not the investigation be dropped and the industry allowed to get on with its job?

Sir J. Eden

There is a general understanding in the industry that these things need to be properly studied before any decisions are reached.

Sir G. Nabarro

Will my hon. Friend give me an assurance that his consultations have not been one-sided? If he is receiving the observations of the electricity authorities in the publicly-owned sector, will he seek the views of private enterprise traders, notably electrical contractors and appliance distributors, who have views widely removed from those of the nationalised electricity industry, including my own view, also widely removed?

Sir J. Eden

I have been receiving the views of other interests concerned, including the private traders. It is because of this that the study is taking some time.