Oral Answers to Questions — Electricity (Domestic Consumption)

– in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 30 Ionawr 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore , Ayr District of Burghs 12:00, 30 Ionawr 1947

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will give an estimate of the increased consumption in domestic electricity due to the shortage of domestic coal supplies in the period 1st to 14th January.

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

No, Sir. I cannot give an estimate for the domestic consumption of electricity for a period so short as a fortnight.

Photo of Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore , Ayr District of Burghs

Then how can the right hon. Gentleman justify cutting down the supply of electricity to those who have given up their coal fires and installed electric fires in order to help the country? How can he justify it when they are freezing?

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

I will justify it on the demands made on me for, coal by the electricity undertakings.

Photo of Mr Ian Mikardo Mr Ian Mikardo , Reading

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the efforts of hon. Members opposite to disparage the magnificent effort of the miners since nationalisation is making them ridiculous in the eyes of the mining community and the whole country?

Photo of Sir Godfrey Nicholson Sir Godfrey Nicholson , Farnham

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has indeed achieved something that we on this side of the House, despite all our efforts, never achieved, namely, made the whole country much colder than it has ever been before?

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

I imagine the hon. Member assumes for me a higher position in the cosmic scheme than that to which I am entitled.

Photo of Sir Godfrey Nicholson Sir Godfrey Nicholson , Farnham

It will be hotter in the next world.

Several Hon. Members:

rose

Photo of Mr Douglas Clifton Brown Mr Douglas Clifton Brown , Hexham

Despite the cold outside, I do not think we want to generate more heat in here.