Former MP for Leicester South
Many of the nation's energy problems are completely unresolved, and this is why I believe that we should not rise for the Summer Recess until we get a statement of Government policy about them. Not only that, but the issues themselves have not been debated. For example, a few days ago a Committee upstairs discussed the increased borrowing powers for the National Coal Board, although the...
I am sorry, but I promised to be brief. We have had a Government White Paper about the North Sea explorations. Yet it discloses a quarter-thought-out plan for participation, leaving vast questions unanswered without debate. The future of this great natural resource is left to be speculated about for months while we are in recess. Fourth, whilst I acknowledge that a decision has been made by...
What public sector projects will be cut out so that this vast sum can be found without add- ing to the public sector borrowing requirement?
Does the Secretary of State, if he takes a maximum controlling participation, intend to entrust the management of these large funds to the oil companies, or does he intend to assume for himself the ultimate responsibility for the management of these highly technological projects?
Is there any proposed change in the agreement for the management of the company which was associated with the 50 per cent. holding by the GEC?
rose—
The right hon. Gentleman referred to the figures given in The Times this morning which showed weekly wage rates over the last two months rising at an annual rate of 42·6 per cent. Is he suggesting that those figures were known to the outgoing Government?
I was extremely pleased to hear the hon. Member for Rochdale (Mr. Smith) exposing the distortions made by the Secretary of State, which were typical of so many of the right hon. Gentleman's remarks. I am surprised, however, that the hon. Gentleman and his party, who have been such firm advocates of a permanent statutory policy, should nave decided to cast their votes tonight in support of the...
