§ 33. Mr. WELLSasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that the Rushden and District Electric Supply Company propose to erect pales and carry an electric cable along the main street of the village of Sharnbrook, in Bedfordshire; that the parish council object to this overhead cable on the grounds that there is a continuous pavement on only one side of the street only four feet wide; that the roadway is only 18 feet wide; that already the Post Office have a line of wires on one side of the street; that there is considerable traffic through the village, and any additional block renders the traffic more dangerous; that the overhead cable and poles will be an eyesore in the street; that unless the cable is carried very high it will interfere and be dangerous to those carrying out repairs to the buildings; and will he therefore take steps to prevent the work being proceeded with until the parish 1034 council have had an opportunity of laying their views before him with a view to having the cable placed underground?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI have consented to the erection of these overhead lines, subject to the undertakers complying with the overhead line Regulations prescribed by the Electricity Commissioners for the public safety. Before doing so, I am satisfied that the Bedford Rural District Council, the local authority for the purposes of the Electricity (Supply) Acts, 1882–1922, in respect of the Parish of Sharnbrook, had no objection to the erection of the lines.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that very frequently the rural district council do not represent either the views of the feelings of parish councils?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIf they do not represent their views, it is in the power of the electors to return another council.
§ Mr. B. SMITHWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of appointing another council?
§ Mr. WELLSWill the Minister of Transport reconsider this question, in view of the danger to the public?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI think not, because I understand that the Bedfordshire County Council have come to a satisfactory agreement with the undertakers under which all the necessary requirements for the public safety will be observed.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman agree to meet the parish councils who must of necessity represent the views of the local population?
§ Colonel ASHLEYNo, I cannot do that, because the rural district councils are the authorities whom I have to consult.