§ Baroness Burton of CoventryMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government which nationalised industry consumer councils listed in the Written Answer given to the Baroness Burton of Coventry on 12th March (Official Report, col. 162) have now finalised discussions with their respective industries on these original draft guidelines affecting their future; which have still to do so and whether any findings sent to the Department of Trade and Industry are now under discussion.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Lucas of Chilworth)My Lords, discussions between the electricity and domestic coal consumer councils and their respective industries have been completed; discussions between the National Gas Consumers' Council and the British Gas Corporation are continuing, as are those on the guidelines for the Scottish electricity councils. The Post Office and nationalised industries' consumer councils are completing their internal consideration of the draft guidelines in preparation for discussions with the industries concerned. All matters referred by the consumer councils to the Department of Trade and Industry have been dealt with.
§ Baroness Burton of CoventryMy Lords, while we all hope that these discussions will be finalised in the not too distant future, may I ask the Minister whether the comments sent in by the consumer councils, and those still being discussed, cover the original guidelines which were sent out in June last year, the Treasury consultation proposals, which were sent on demand and not upon presentation, and the letter dated 22nd February sent by his department?
§ Lord Lucas of ChilworthYes, my Lords.
§ Baroness Burton of CoventryIn that case, my Lords, could the Minister help us with one further piece of information on a matter which has caused some concern among the consumer councils of nationalised industry? Could he tell the House which department will be responsible for the proposed legislation dealing with these consumer councils, in view of the fact that the Treasury consultation proposals to the chairmen of nationalised industries covered this matter and that the letter from the noble 1214 Lord's department on 22nd February was headed "Nationalised Industries Legislation: Consumer Councils"?
§ Lord Lucas of ChilworthMy Lords, if there were to be any legislation in regard to nationalised industries, it would fall to my department.