HC Deb 02 November 1970 vol 805 cc250-1W
Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will grant the Central Electricity Generating Board more freedom in the selection of fuel stocks so that the board may offset the high price paid for coal and offset the substantial burden of tax imposed on fuel oil.

Mr. Ridley

The Central Electricity Generating Board already has commercial discretion in the selection of stocks.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give a general direction to the Central Electricity Generating Board that in organising their administrative staff they should have regard to the employment situation in the regions and refrain from centralisation.

Mr. Ridley

A general direction would not be appropriate. Within any general constraints arising from the Government's regional policy, the organisation and choice of location of offices is a matter of day-to-day management and as such the responsibility of the Board.