§ Mr. Woodhouseasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on the prohibition of the use of private generators by industrial and commercial firms under the Electricity (Industrial and Commercial Use) (Control) Order 1973.
§ Miss Holtasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will permit businesses to use their standby generators for the purpose of continuing to operate outside the permissible three days.
§ Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if the restrictions on working days announced by the Prime Minister apply to those factories which generate their own electricity independent of the national grid;
(2) if the restrictions of production in continual process industries apply to those factories which generate their own electricity independent of the national grid;
(3) why shops and offices which have installed their own electricity generators are not permitted to use them to remain open with light and heat beyond the permitted days of those wholly dependent on national grid supplies.
§ Mr. EmeryMy right hon. Friend announced in the House on 18th December that the use of private generators 485W would be permitted under certain conditions for industrial and commercial uses, but not for floodlighting.
§ Mr. Oakesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many factories in the United Kingdom generate their own electricity; what is the total power so produced; and how many people are employed in such industries.
§ Mr. EmeryThe information requested is not readily available. My right hon. Friend informed the house on 18th December 1973 that the use of privately generated electricity will be permitted in industry and commerce as long as this can be met within the present allocations of fuel.