HC Deb 25 March 1947 vol 435 cc189-90W
119. Mr. C. Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that electrical generating sets are still lying idle at a number of aerodromes in the Eastern Counties; and what steps are being taken to make these sets available to industry.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

All surplus mobile generating sets have been put at the disposal of the Board of Trade for use by industry. At occupied stations, the standby plant was operated to maintain essential services on R.A.F. Stations during the periods of electricity cuts and also on request from the local electricity undertakings to supply current in relief of the "grid" generally during peak hour. There is standby generating plant at a number of stations which are not at present occupied, but I am afraid it would be impracticable to make this available for industry. The plant is permanently installed and could not readily be removed elsewhere, and in any event would need considerable conversion before it would he suitable for industrial use.