§ 46. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his meeting with the representatives of firms who are engaged on the manufacture of power plant and other necessary parts for power houses; when it is expected that the commissioning of the new turbo sets will take place; and whether super priority is now being given to all that is required to produce increased electric power as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Arthur GreenwoodI have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, accompanied by my right hon. Friends the Minister of Supply and the Minister of Fuel and Power, met representatives of the heavy electrical plant manufacturers and boiler makers last Monday and discussed with them ways and means of increasing and accelerating the output of electrical generating plant. The manufacturers gave assurances of their fullest co-operation in the measures necessary towards this end. The suggestions discussed at the meeting will be considered by a committee under the chairmanship of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply on which the Departments principally concerned, the two Electricity Boards and the industry will be represented. A special organisation built on wartime experience is being set up by my right hon. Friend to assist in planning production and in overcoming difficulties. Every endeavour will be made to ensure the necessary supplies of labour and material for the manufacture of heavy electrical plant and boilers and to speed up their production.