HC Deb 26 March 1974 vol 871 cc269-70
Q1. Mr. Rost

asked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the co-ordination between his Ministers responsible for the Industry and Energy Departments.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Rost

Does the Prime Minister agree that if our energy supplies were produced and consumed less wastefully in this country there would be no energy shortage, the balance of payments would be a lot healthier and the standard of living of our people would be substan- tially higher? Does he agree that the new Energy Department's priority should be, in addition to producing self-sufficiency in this country, to give priority to conservation and a more efficient conversion and consumption of our energy resources? Will the right hon. Gentleman ensure cooperation between Government Departments to see that this policy is pursued?

The Prime Minister

Yes, I very much agree with the analysis set out in the first part of the Ion. Gentleman's question. I think it is an important factor and it is one which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy is making a priority, but he has many other important decisions to take if we are to achieve the hon. Gentleman's hope of self-sufficiency.

Mr. Tom King

Will the Prime Minister, in considering the question of coordinating the activities of Ministers in the Department of Industry, investigate the strange activity of one Under-Secretary who appears not to be co-ordinated with the Department of the Environment and who made a totally erroneous statement about the Government's future action on rates which had a considerable impact in the West Country?

The Prime Minister

The hon. Gentleman is still living in yesterday and not today. However, it does not arise out of this Question.

Mr. Grimond

Is the Prime Minister aware that it is not only with the Department of Industry that energy will be very much involved? Will he consider adopting the suggestion made by his party when in opposition that a White Paper might be published explaining the responsibility of the Department of Energy and its relationship to other Ministries?

The Prime Minister

I think it is well understood, but I will certainly carefully consider the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion. If anything more needs to be said, I will see that it is said.