Abstract
This chapter presents some new evidence on the performance of the nationalised gas industry, by looking in detail at the record of two Area Gas Boards – the South Western and the East Midlands – in the 1950s and 1960s. The Gas Act of 1948 which transferred the gas industry to public ownership established a system of twelve Area Boards, each responsible for gas supply in its own region. The chapter presents performance indicators for the two Area Boards. The tasks of each Board included the manufacture of gas, and the selling of by-products and gas appliances. The Heyworth Report of 1945, which preceded nationalisation, had argued that there were far too many small and inefficient gasworks operating throughout the country. During the 1950s the Area Boards each developed and implemented plans for integrating production in their regions, concentrating on the improvement of the larger works and closing down small and obsolete plants.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call