38. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps the Government are taking to ensure a cheap supply of electricity for the farmers throughout the country further to assist them to keep their production costs as low as possible?
§ Mr. RamsbothamAs the House was informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport on 3rd March last, the Government have decided to adopt, in principle, subject to certain modifications in detail, the recommendations of the McGowan Committee for a reorganisation of electricity supply. The legislation will be directed among other matters to facilitating and expediting electrical development in rural areas.
Mr. De la BèreDo the Government really understand the desirability of a low cost for electricity, and whether low cost of electricity means lower cost of production, that cheaper production means cheaper food, and that we ought to have cheaper food in this country?
§ Mr. RamsbothamI can assure my hon. Friend that that consideration is thoroughly appreciated.