§ Mr. Granvilleasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if it is his intention to allow industrial and domestic users of light and power to exercise voluntary as against compulsory economy during the coming winter period.
§ Mr. GaitskellThe arrangements for load spreading which will operate next winter in the industrial and commercial field were described in the statement made50W by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on 5th July.
As I stated on 11th July, in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Burslem (Mr. Edward Davies), it is not proposed to continue the differential tariff for domestic consumers, but I must again emphasise that great economy in the use of electricity by all classes of consumers at times of peak demand will be necessary next winter if extensive load-shedding is to be avoided. As in the past, we intend to rely on the voluntary co-operation of all concerned to achieve these economies, although I should make it clear that under Defence Regulations I am empowered to direct any commercial or industrial undertaking to reduce its load if it does not do so voluntarily. It has never been necessary in the past to invoke these powers, and I have every hope and expectation that adequate arrangements in the industrial and commercial field can be made in the coming winter on a voluntary and co-operative basis.