Mr. Shinwell: This temporary ban was imposed not only as a direct fuel-saving measure, but also because of the undesirability, during the Acute Electricity Crisis, of having such large scale outdoor gatherings after dark, with the brilliant lighting involved.

Clearly, the Ministry that is now, and very efficiently, rushing coal all over the country to abbreviate the Electricity Crisis could have done a great deal to avert it by similar action before the breakdown.

Mr. Ridley: The Electricity Crisis affected some 9,500 workers in Barrow last week.

Several hon. Members have referred to the problems faced by kidney patients, and in the Recent Electricity Crisis their plight has been brought home to us.

20, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely,the failure of the Home Secretary's statement in response to the private notice question about the severe weather condition to refer to the Electricity Crisis in the east midlands.

Has the Leader of the House seen early-day motion 223 on the Electricity Crisis in the east midlands, which has already been referred to by my hon. Friend the Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner)?

Mr. Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he plans to make of the implications of the Electricity Crisis in California for UK energy policy.