The Electricity Bill

Abstract

THE Electricity Bill, after passing its third reading in the House of Commons, is now being considered in the Upper House. As there were twenty-six pages of amendments to be discussed and the bill is of a highly technical nature, the task was no easy one, but it started auspiciously. In the committee stage the bill was discussed from almost every point of view, and so it is unlikely that any serious flaw has been overlooked. Many politicians think that this bill makes a long step in the direction of nationalisation. In the opinion of the Government, however, it will stop nationalisation. It is pointed out that the electric supply industry is on a quite different footing from other industries. In every district of Great Britain electric supply is a monopoly. It is urged, therefore, that the industry should not be deprived of the great benefit that would ensue when cooperation and centralisation replace individual effort. The need for passing the bill at once is imperative, as several schemes for developing electrical supply are being held up pending the new legislation.