HC Deb 16 April 1946 vol 421 cc2487-8
16. Major Diģby

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if lie is satisfied that adequate materials and manpower have now been made available to electricity undertakings to enable them to extend electricity supplies to rural areas; and if he will now make a statement on the result of his discussions with representatives of the industry.

The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Shinwell)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 12th March to my hon. Friend the Member for North Norfolk (Mr Gooch). As regards the last part of the Question the representatives of the Electricity Supply Industry have assured me that normal development work will proceed in the interim period before the industry is placed under public ownership.

Major Diģby

Is the Minister aware that plans for supplying electricity to rural areas completed before the war are likely to take at least two years to carry out, unless steps are taken to increase materials and manpower?

Mr. Shinwell

I am well aware of the difficulties. We shall do all we can to expedite the work, but the hon. and gallant Member must also be aware that there are difficulties about materials and manpower. It is not so easy to overcome them.

Mr. Thornton-Kemsley:

Has there been any noticeable improvement since 1st March, when the Minister gave his answer about the supply of timber poles for electricity?

Mr. Shinwell

I could not say offhand. The matter is not referred to in the Question. I rather imagine that it is being dealt with.

Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

Surely the word "materials" covers timber?

Mr. Speaker

That point is rather outside the Question.

28. Colonel Clarke

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the present delay in the extension of electricity to farms caused by shortage of poles, potential consumers may be given the opportunity of supplying the poles themselves subject to the necessary specifications

Mr. Shinwell

Yes, Sir.

Colonel Clarke

Will the Minister communicate with those concerned to see that advantage is taken of this?

Mr. Shinwell

I will look at that and see whether it can be done.