asked the Minister of Labour what progress has so far been made by the Regional Boards for Industry in securing agreement for arrangements to spread the industrial electricity load.

The reports so far received are very encouraging and the regional boards and their district and other committees deserve the highest praise for the way in which they carried out the task entrusted to them. They have received a very full measure of co-operation from both sides of industry and the results are a tribute to the value of full joint consultation in such matters.

May I ask the Minister whether he has found it necessary to impose sanctions on any of these undertakings?

No, Sir. I am glad to be able to report to the House that it has not been necessary to impose or threaten sanctions in any of these industries. All this has been done by co-operation and goodwill.