Nationalised Industries (Connection Charges)

Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Power – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 18 March 1969.

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Photo of Mr Gwilym Roberts Mr Gwilym Roberts , Bedfordshire South 12:00, 18 March 1969

asked the Minister of Power if he will take steps to stop the usage of connecting charges as an instrument of competitive marketing by the nationalised fuel industries.

Photo of Mr Reginald Freeson Mr Reginald Freeson , Willesden East

My right hon. Friend is discussing with the Electricity and Gas Councils the systems of connection charges used by the two industries.

Photo of Mr Gwilym Roberts Mr Gwilym Roberts , Bedfordshire South

Would not my hon. Friend agree that the time for discussion of this matter is now well-nigh over and that the essence of public ownership is replacement of undesirable competition by healthy co-operation? Would he not take some urgent steps to avoid the undesirable use of connecting charges by some boards as a weapon in this field?

Photo of Mr Reginald Freeson Mr Reginald Freeson , Willesden East

I hope that the review of this matter is well-nigh over and that soon we shall be able to get a conclusion satisfactory to all persons and industries concerned.

Photo of Mr John Eden Mr John Eden , Bournemouth West

Why has this matter taken so long? Did not the Government make clear that they were reviewing it at the time when the 1965 White Paper on policy was published? Could not the hon. Gentleman give a general direction to the boards concerned, or, better still, leave this matter to their commercial judgment?

Photo of Mr Reginald Freeson Mr Reginald Freeson , Willesden East

This is a rather complex subject which did not arise in 1965 but was developing over a number of years before then. We are making a serious study of the problem, and we think we shall find an answer soon which will obviate a general need for such a direction and at the same time meet the needs of the industries from an economic and commercial point of view.