§ 102. Mr. J. Rodgersasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will now make a further statement on the steps he proposes to take to give warning of power cuts, in view of the dislocation caused industrially and domestically by unexpected power cuts.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerI recently held a conference of representatives of the British Electricity Authority, the area boards and consultative councils, at which it was arranged to examine urgently a number 69W of suggestions for improving the present warning system. I hope to know the results of this examination shortly and to be able to make a further statement.
§ Mr. Alportasked the Minister of Fuel and Power to what extent he anticipates that the power cuts which have recently caused disruption of industrial and domestic supplies of electricity in north-east Essex will be repeated during the remainder of the winter; and what action is being taken to ensure that electricity supplies for this area will be adequate in the future.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerPower cuts will no doubt be necessary from time to time though their severity will depend upon the weather. Every effort is being made to reduce the number of cuts by organised load-spreading in industry and commerce and by making full use of private generating sets.