The Organisation of Electricity Supply in Great Britain. By H.
H. Baffin. (Electrical Press, Limited. 21s.) DR. BALLIN has written an important and a timely book. His approach to the problems of the organisation of the electricity supply industry in Great Britain is largely historical. This is, how- ever, probably the best way to treat the problems of the industry. The present organisation with its medley of undertakings regulated in different ways and subject to varying purchase rights, the power companies, the Joint Electricity Authorities, the Electricity Com- missioners and the Central Electricity Board, acquires sense only if considered in relation to the history of the industry. The tale which Dr. Ballin tells is of an industry which has, from the begin- ning, been regulated by, the State. Its development has through- out been hampered by hostility between public and private authorities, an opposition which has made it difficult to settle any particular case on its merits because each decision set a precedent which was of importance in a wider conflict. It is perhaps a grim portent of what may be the future history of many industries in this country. Seen in its political setting, the establishment of the Central Electricity Board and the setting up of the grid appears as a masterstroke. Dr. Ballin concludes with an informative chapter on the problems of the reorganisation of the industry.
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