Gas Undertakings (Scotland) Bill

Part of Slaughter of Animals (Amendment) Bill – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 22 June 1951.

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Photo of Mr Willie Hamilton Mr Willie Hamilton , Fife West 12:00, 22 June 1951

There are three minutes yet. He goes on: Only where it has been proved that economy in costs can be made or and higher efficiency given to the consumer has the Board transferred an undertaking from one group to a neighboring one, and as a matter of fact the changes were made only a few weeks ago, so you can understand that serious thought was given to the matter. Then, referring to the proposed transfer of gas undertakings to local authorities, this technician in the gas industry says: What special qualifications have Scottish Town Councilors to run a gas undertaking? This is his answer to his own question, underlined: None whatever. This is a Tory. He also says: Divisional and group supervision"— which is allowed for under the present set-up— would be impossible"— under the set-up proposed by hon. and right hon. Gentlemen opposite— and believe me, this high level supervision and planning has proved to be one of the most valuable products of national ownership. That is a Tory speaking. Then he poses a question: Re-organise the gas industry in Scotland? Tell them to take their minds back to [May] 1949 and ask them what the"— The next word is an "h" with a stroke after it. Hon. Members can guess what the word is— ask them what the h— you have been doing but re-organise the industry since then.