HC Deb 15 December 1927 vol 211 c2503
63. Sir DOUGLAS NEWTON

asked the Minister of Transport if he is prepared to arrange that a representative of rural interests be appointed to the Electricity Commission?

Colonel ASHLEY

It would not, in my view, be desirable to appoint on the Electricity Commission representatives of particular interests, however important, though I am in complete sympathy with my hon. Friend's desire that rural interests should be borne in mind in connection with electricity schemes.

Sir D. NEWTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the development of electricity in rural areas on the Continent has been much more rapid and widespread than in this country; and does he not think that this is in part due to the representation of rural interests on the electrical commissions of those countries?

Colonel ASHLEY

I do not agree with my hon. Friend. Rural development has not been rapid in this country, but I am now considering very carefully whether any scheme can be devised which might alter this state of things.