HC Deb 09 May 1934 vol 289 cc1080-1
17. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

asked the Minister of Transport how many special electricity schemes for rural areas are in operation; and whether he proposes to have further schemes?

Mr. STANLEY

A number of schemes for the provision of electricity supply in large tracts of rural territory have been submitted to and approved by the Electricity Commissioners during the last four or five years and have been or are being carried out. Two special schemes in the Bedford and Norwich areas respectively include proposals for comprehensive and accelerated development to be carried out within a limited period. I am not aware that there are at present any other similar cases in preparation. The Electricity Commissioners continue to watch over rural development, and schemes for extending rural supply as they come before them will receive their careful attention.

Mr. LOUIS SMITH

Is my hon. Friend aware that the progress of these electricity undertakings in rural areas is much impeded owing to the high cost of light and power, and, when considering other schemes in the future, will he consider the desirability of establishing the smaller power units using, say, oil engines, to enable the consumer to obtain light and power at a reasonable cost?

Mr. STANLEY

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question upon the Paper.