§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Minister of Power if he will introduce legislation to merge the gas and electricity industries in order to cut down expense.
§ Mr. MarshThe size and complexity of these industries is already such that I do not consider any useful improvement in efficiency could be achieved by merging them. The possibility of providing joint consumer services in certain fields has been considered from time to time but the balance of advantage has appeared to lie in leaving these functions within the responsibility of each industry. The scope for further co-operation is, however, being kept under review.