Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Transport whether, until the Financial Clauses in the Electricity Amendment Bill have been passed, it will be possible to frame any satisfactory or complete schemes for the establishment of joint electricity authorities under the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1919; if the delay thus entailed is prejudicing the making of economical arrangements for the unified control and development of electricity supply in the different districts by making it difficult for the Electricity Commissioners to withhold consent under the Act to proposals for the haphazard extension of existing stations and works; what steps the Government propose to take to expedite the Bill; and if a decision has been come to as to the retention of the provisions in the Bill for the compulsory transfer of electricity undertakings?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI am aware of the difficulties to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, and I hope to be in a position very shortly to make a statement as to the course which the Government intend to take in the matter.