§ 33. Mr. MATHERSasked the Minister of Transport whether it will be his policy to allow electric cables used in connection with the lighting of trunk roads to be tapped for local street lighting in villages adjacent to trunk roads, and for household lighting and other purposes in such villages and in farms near by?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Captain Austin Hudson)There is no reason why cables used for street lighting should not, if they are of sufficient capacity, be tapped for other purposes. This is within the discretion of the supply authorities concerned.
§ Mr. MATHERSHas not my question been misapprehended I am asking about the lighting circuits which will be available in connection with the new powers which the Minister is taking to illuminate trunk roads. Do I understand that he will be prepared to allow cables of that kind to be tapped for other public purposes?
§ Captain HUDSONThe lion. Member is under a misapprehension. My right hon. Friend is not seeking powers himself under the Bill to generate or distribute electricity. All that he is able to do under Clause 6 is to make arrangements with any electricity undertaker for the supply of electricity.