§ Mr. Prescottasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware of the concern arising from the suggestion that electricity supplies may be cut off without warning in any district; and whether his Department has any overall scheme for the conservation of electricity in the winter months and if he will outline it.
§ Mr. GaitskellYes, but general warnings are usually given by announcements by the B.B.C., and in the Press. When it becomes known that a cut cannot be avoided there is not enough time to warn every consumer, but arrangements exist by which as many large consumers as possible receive warnings. In addition, there are in most areas rota systems which enable the consumer to know on which day of the week his supply is likely to be cut. So far as the latter part of the Question is concerned, I would refer to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour on 8th July, 1948, and the statement which I made on 30th July, 1948.