HC Deb 10 May 1939 vol 347 cc480-1
60. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will draw the attention of the electric power company concerned to the absence of a supply of electricity in the village of Stoulton, Worcestershire, with a view to remedying this defect?

Captain Wallace

The Electricity Commissioners have taken the matter up with the company concerned, who have intimated that, as a result of a survey of the village, they do not consider that the prospective demand is sufficient to justify an extension of their mains at the present time without some substantial guarantee of revenue, or contribution to the cost, by the consumers.

Mr. De la Bère

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend realise that this is a public utility company and that, as such, it is liable to the consumer and has privileges, and will he look into the matter further and urge that these public utility companies should not be allowed to make huge trading profits?

Captain Wallace

It is not a question of huge trading profits, but of a reasonable guarantee.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not a scandal that villages in this country should be left without adequate lighting because some people cannot make profits?

Mr. Hannah

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend realise that there are villages in the Bilston Division without electric light?

67. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will take steps, in consultation with the electricity supply companies which are public utility companies, to secure the necessary facilities to consumers, and would-be consumers, in the rural areas, for a supply of electricity, since the Government legislation dealing with these matters has now been postponed for over a year?

Captain Wallace

While in circumstances which my hon. Friend will appreciate general legislation has had to be postponed, the Electricity Commissioners are always ready to investigate complaints of lack of facilities in rural areas which may be brought to their notice.

Mr. De la Bère

What is it that really prevents the progress of this legislation? Is not my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that this took place long before the crisis? Is not the reason really that certain vested interests are deliberately obstructing this legislation?

Captain Wallace

I know that my hon. Friend has received a lot of answers which he considers very unsatisfactory. May I suggest that if he will go and see the Chairman of the Electricity Commissioners, who will be glad to see him, he may come to some better understanding?

Mr. De la Bère

Is not my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that it is perfectly useless going to see these people unless the Members of this House support their fellow Members and their own friends? Something must be done in this matter, for it is the greatest scandal in the country.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that in many villages in Scotland and England the people have to get light from paraffin lamps, and is it not time that modern facilities were provided?