§ 37. Sir W. SUGDENasked the Minister of Transport if he will give details of the results of his investigations upon the most suitable systems of switch gearing for electrical transmission; and whether he will offer full facilities for the test of oil medium switch gearing, in view of the essential of cheap and economical power transmission for national electric power requirements in industry before decision is arrived at for recommendation by the Government?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe investigations to which my hon. Friend refers are not mine but are being carried out by the British Electrical and Allied Industries Research Association, which body has for the past five years been engaged on research in connection with switchgear, including switchgear of the kind referred to. I understand that the association are prepared to test switchgear of any kind which may be sent to them.
§ Sir W. SUGDENIs it not the fact that the right hon. and gallant Gentleman is already dealing with Cabinet suggestions in respect of the operation of electricity in this country; and is it not correct to say that this oil method of switching gear, if fully accepted or not, will make the difference as to whether electricity can be efficiently and economically used for power purposes?