§ 52. Mr. LATHAMasked the Minister of Transport what is the cost of the electricity pylons between Malton and Whitby under the schemes submitted for his consent by the Electricity Commissioners?
This question ought not to be on the Order Paper before Question No. 53.
§ The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Herbert Morrison)I understand from the Central Electricity Board that the estimated cost of the pylons and foundations for the line between Malton and Whitby is £22,800.
§ Mr. TURTONCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the load to be carried on those lines at that cost?
§ Mr. MORRISONI am afraid I could not say that.
§ 53. Mr. LATHAMasked the Minister of Transport whether he has yet received an application from the Electricity Commissioners for his consent to schemes embodying a proposal to set up electricity pylons in the Yorkshire moors between Pickering and Whitby; and whether he will withhold his consent from any scheme that would disfigure the beauty of the moorland scenery?
§ Mr. MORRISONI have received an application from the Central Electricity Board for consent to the erection of a portion of the overhead line which will ultimately connect Pickering with Whitby. None of the various local authorities through whose area the line will pass has expressed a desire to be heard against the application. In connection with the same overhead line, I have received an application for certain compulsory wayleaves which will receive consideration in accordance with the powers conferred on me by the Electricity (Supply) Acts.
§ Mr. TURTONWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has not received a resolution from the North Riding County Council opposing that scheme so long back as two months ago?
§ Mr. MORRISONThe North Riding County Council have communicated, but they did not take the particular action which they ought to have taken under the Electricity Supply Act.
§ Mr. BRACKENWill the right hon. Gentleman say why the countryside should be desolated in this fashion without consultation with his right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works?
§ Mr. MORRISONThere is ample opportunity provided for consultation. Certainly that is an important aspect, but on the other hand people have got to live.
§ Mr. MILLSWill my right hon. Friend see that these pylons are at least equal in beauty to the pithead machinery around Yorkshire?
§ Mr. TURTONWill the right hon. Gentleman hold a local inquiry now in view of the grave dissatisfaction with the proposal in the district?
§ Mr. MORRISONThe procedure is laid down in the Act, and the local authorities have not taken advantage of that procedure. I have not yet come to a decision, and I shall consider the communications which have been forwarded to me, but people cannot have inquiries
§ if they do not ask for them in the proper way.
§ Mr. BRACKENBut if the local authorities do object, will the right hon. Gentleman—