§ 41. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Transport if his attention has been called to the protests of district councils and other bodies, as, for instance, Eastbourne, against the proposed erection of high standards over the countryside in order to carry the new national electric cables; and what steps he is taking in this matter to carry out the intention of the Government to preserve the beauty of rural England?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI cannot find that I have received any protests against the erection of the standards for the lines of the Central Electricity Board. In order to carry out schemes under the Act of 1926 it is necessary to erect overhead transmission lines, but I have reason to knew that the Central Electricity Board are anxious to carry out this work so as to interfere as little as possible with rural amenities.
§ Mr. HURDHas the right hon. Gentleman recently visited North Wales and seen what is going on there, and how the country will shortly be defaced?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIn the first place, I cannot see that what is going on, or alleged to be going on, in North Wales has anything to do with the Central Electricity Board. As to the activities of the Central Electricity Board, they have taken every step possible by getting a Royal Academician to advise them, as to the particular form of these standards, also what colour they should be painted in order to harmonise with the landscape.