Part of the debate – in the House of Commons am ar 25 Gorffennaf 1922.
I am sorry that I cannot accept the Amendment, The Clause, as it stands, provides that the Electricity Commissioners may, by the order establishing a joint electricity authority, or after the establishment of a joint electricity authority, by an order made on the application of that authority, exclude from the area of supply of any power company what is mentioned in paragraph (b). Paragraph (b) does nothing more than reproduce Section 14 of the Act of 1919, in a form which is consonant with the present legislation. We are not enlarging the powers of the Commissioners: we are saying only that they may make these orders on two occasions. One is on the establishment of an authority, and the second is when the authority has been established on the application of that authority. But, before the authority can be established the Commissioners have to hold at least two public inquiries. They then make their order, which requires confirmation by the Minister. The Minister may order a further inquiry. A very cogent criticism has been urged upon me at Question Time in this House to the effect that a multiplicity of inquiries means a great waste of public money. I am very anxious to avoid the multiplication of inquiries. The Amendment would set up further inquiries still. What would happen if the Amendment were accepted? The Commissioners will hold their first inquiry. Then they have a further inquiry as to the scheme. That matter requires confirmation by the Minister, with the possibility of a third inquiry. It then comes to this House and to another House for definite confirmation by an affirmative resolution. Following all that, my hon. Friend would suggest that we start all over again under Section 15 by another special order, with more inquiries and more resolutions in this House.