HC Deb 13 November 1950 vol 480 cc109-11W
Major Hicks-Beach

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that a power cut by the Southern Electricity Board on 30th October lasted for three hours, resulting in a baker in Chedworth, near Cirencester, being unable to continue his work for that period, and whether he will take steps to ensure that such a long cut does not occur again.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

There was considerable load shedding on 30th October but I was not aware of the result at Chedworth to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. As to the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Barkston Ash (Colonel Ropner) on 6th November and the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service to the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) on 8th November.

Mr. P. Smithers

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the severe electricity cuts which occurred recently in the Alresford area of Hampshire; and what steps are being taken to prevent a repetition of the dislocation caused, particularly in the agricultural industry.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

There has been considerable load shedding all over the country in recent weeks. I am not aware of the extent to which load has been shed in the Alresford area, as the decision that a cut will have to be made in a particular area is the responsibility of the British Electricity Authority and the area boards.

As to the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Barkston Ash (Colonel Ropner) on 6th November and the reply give n by right hon. hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service to the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) on 8th November

114. Sir H. Williams

asked the Minister of Labour what steps he is taking on the report of the Electricity Sub-Committee of the Joint Consultative Committee of his Department.

Mr. Isaacs

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Rotherhithe (Mr. Mellish) on Tuesday, 4th July last and also to the reply which I gave to a Question by the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Osborne) on 8th November.