§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware that the industrial dispute in the electricity supply industry has shown that in national emergencies such as this the various public services within the general responsibility of his Department, such as transport and local authorities, are unable to cope with the difficulties created; and whether he will set up an emergency committee to prepare ways and means to ensure the satisfactory working of the services fully within the control of his Department during such emergencies.
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§ Mr. Graham PageI do not accept the implication in the first part of the hon. Member's Question. In my judgement the authorities are to be commended for the way they coped with their difficulties. Machinery already exists in my Department to ensure that if there is a threat of an emergency suitable preparations are made in the light of past experience.