Central Electricity Generating Board

HC Deb 30 June 1975 vol 894 cc1002-3

5. Mrs. Knight

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the total expenditure in the past financial year by the CEGB on alterations to office accommodation.

Mr. Eadie

This is a matter for the board, and I am asking the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

Mrs. Knight

Can the hon. Gentleman confirm that improvements to the London Electricity Board's offices are currently being undertaken at a cost of about £1 million? Is he aware that one executive's office alone is reported already to have cost more than £10,000? Is it too much to ask the Minister to tell the electricity boards that Britain faces a very severe financial crisis and that the office party is over—indeed, that it should not have begun at this time?

Mr. Eadie

I have no knowledge of the information that the hon. Lady gave. However, if she reflects, she will remember that I said that I would like the Chairman of the CEGB to write to her. I am a little confused, however, because her Question was directed specifically to the CEGB, and then she referred to an electricity board.

Mr. Palmer

Is not my hon. Friend aware that the CEGB has no responsibility for the London Electricity Board? Secondly, surely the question of the health and welfare of the staff employed in offices enters into these matters.

Mr. Eadie

My hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, North-East (Mr. Palmer) has a knowledge of these matters which is perhaps superior to that of anyone else in the House, and I am grateful for his confirmation of the point I made arising out of the fact that the hon. Lady put down a Question about the CEGB and in her supplementary question referred to electricity boards. I do not know which of us is confused.

Mr. Wigley

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in Wales, where a considerable volume of electricity is produced, there are very few Central Electricity Generating Board jobs of the organisational kind? Will the Government give consideration to setting up a body in Wales analogous to the South of Scotland Electricity Board so that we can get more organisational jobs in Wales?

Mr. Eadie

Day-to-day administration is the responsibility of the CEGB. If the hon. Gentleman has any specific points to raise, I shall pass them to the board, which may be able to give him the assurances he seeks.