Orders of the Day — ELECTRICITY (SUPPLY) BILL [Lords].

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons am ar 25 Gorffennaf 1922.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Sir Herbert Nield Sir Herbert Nield , Ealing

I also join in this respect, that I regret the attitude of the hon. Gentleman, for this really is a matter of considerable importance. I assume that the ordinary person will imagine that the ratepayers have some regard to expenditure, but these Joint Electricity Commissioners are to be drawn, one member here, another there, and another from somewhere else, and there is not the same opportunity for supervision as there is ordinarily. Therefore, I think it is very necessary indeed that we should have some sort of guarantee. Take the argument of the Parliamentary Secretary. I am sorry he was so ready to take offence, for we are only exercising our conversational powers in an ordinary way, and, we did not mean to disturb him, least of all myself. He referred to the absurdity of the suggested Amendment. He spoke of the prescribed period of 10 years for a generating station, and asked was there anything more ridiculous? Really he does not do himself justice. A generating station is generally freehold or leasehold. It is built upon the ground. Generating stations are not in the air, though they may he some day.