HC Deb 25 July 1967 vol 751 cc94-5W
79. Mr. Leslie Huckfield

asked the Minister of Power whether he will issue a general direction to the gas and electricity services that there should be more co-ordination in the administration of meter reading and pipe and cable laying.

Mr. Freeson

The Weir Committee on co-operation between the electricity and gas industries concluded in 1959 that the balance of advantage appeared to lie in leaving meter reading within the responsibility of each industry, but the scope for further co-operation in this and other fields is kept under review. Developments in data processing are enabling Boards to improve internal integration over the whole field of their activities including meter reading and billing and it is in this direction that the greates promise of improving efficiency lies. The two industries keep in close touch on these matters at local and national levels.

I understand that the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Public Building and Works are currently studying the possibilities of improving co-ordination in the laying of pipes and cables.

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