HC Deb 31 July 1961 vol 645 c124W
Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Power whether he will take steps to ensure that, where a dispute exists between an electricity board and a consumer, on the cost of electrical service, the decision on the contribution which the board can charge shall be taken by him.

Mr. Wood

No. It is neither possible nor necessary for me to decide every dispute of this kind. The Electricity Acts, 1947 and 1957, enable a consumer to make representations to the consultative council in his area. If the consultative council does not think any action is necessary, the consumer can then put his case to the Electricity Council. I can intervene, by giving a direction to an area board, only if the Electricity Council makes representations to me after it has advised an electricity board to remedy a defect disclosed by a consumer's complaint.