asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is now able to make a statement on the Government's policy in relation to the Herbert Committee Report on the Electricity Supply Industry.

No, Sir. I have not yet received the views of the industry on all aspects of this Report.

May I again put to the right hon. Gentleman a point that I have put to him previously? Is he aware of the disturbing effect on the morale of employees of the industry of uncertainty as to the Government's intentions in this matter?

Yes, Sir. I willingly repeat what I said before, that I am most anxious to terminate as soon as possible any uncertainty in this matter. On the other hand, I felt it only proper to give due consideration to all the views of the industry. I have asked the industry to expedite the submission of these views, but the complete views are not yet to hand.

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been drawn to that passage in the Report which says that parts of the electricity industry are languid in their approach to the use of resources—capital, material and labour; and in view of the need in present circumstances for the utmost economy, does this not call for immediate steps by the Minister?

Capital programmes are subjected to annual review, and the matter to which my hon. Friend has drawn attention is very pertinent in that regard.