§ 25. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the serious inconvenience caused in some parts of the country by the breakdown of the grid system of supplying electricity during the recent snowfall whilst local supplies were still available to consumers not on the grid; and whether, as this is a recurring difficulty, he will enquire into the whole matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonI am aware of only one case where as a result of the recent snowfall there has been a breakdown of the grid transmission lines of the Central Electricity Board involving a partial loss of supply. The factor of safety of the grid transmission lines is in excess of that laid down by the Electricity Commissioners' regulations, and I do not consider that any inquiry is called for. Moreover, there are numerous instances where the grid system has successfully met the needs of difficult situations; it has indeed proved itself in war to be a national asset of the greatest possible value.
§ Mr. DaviesIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in some parts of the high peaks of Derbyshire the grid system failed for four days and four nights?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Moore-BrabazonI do not think that was on account of the snow.