HC Deb 19 February 1930 vol 235 cc1381-3
86. Mr. W. B. TAYLOR

asked the Minister of Transport how many schemes for the provision of electricity have been completed in Norfolk under the municipal authorities; and how many by the private company to which certain areas have been allocated for the provision of such schemes?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

There are nine authorised undertakers in the county of Norfolk, four local authorities and 5 companies, and four have schemes of further development which have been under consideration with the Commissioners. The position in each case is as follows:

The Corporation of Yarmouth's Special Order was approved by this House this morning.

The King's Lynn Corporation have a Special Order which is now before me for confirmation.

The Corporation of Norwich have a Special Order which will shortly be submitted to me for confirmation.

The East Anglian Company have a scheme of development for the whole of their area under the Act of 1927, including proposals in the county of Norfolk. This scheme has now been approved by the Electricity Commissioners.

Mr. TAYLOR

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Electricity Commissioners held an inquiry in Norfolk, in the Fore-hoe Rural District area, nearly two years ago, and can a report now be furnished as to what is likely to be done in that area?

Mr. MORRISON

I could not say on the spur of the moment whether the facts as stated by my hon. Friend are correct; it may be so. But my hon. Friend must remember that Parliament, in dealing with the private property interests associated with electricity, has been so careful to provide safeguards for the protection of private interests that the procedure is necessarily slow.

Mr. TAYLOR

May I ask my hon. Friend to approach the Electricity Commissioners and suggest to them that they abolish the speed limit in regard to expediting rural development?

Mr. MORRISON

I am all for the abolition of speed limits.

Mr. C. WILLIAMS

Arising out of the original answer, may I ask the Minister if he is taking any precautions to ensure that in this electrical development British materials are used almost entirely?

87. Mr. TAYLOR

asked the Minister of Transport if the Electricity Commissioners are taking any steps to expedite the provision of facilities for and the development of electricity schemes in Norfolk?

Mr. MORRISON

The Electricity Commissioners are at present engaged in preparing a regional scheme for East England, covering the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk, and expect to be in a position to transmit the scheme to the Central Electricity Board in the course of a few weeks.

Viscount LYMINGTON

Is the Minister prepared to introduce a similar scheme for the South of England, including Hampshire?