HC Deb 12 March 1946 vol 420 cc923-4
10. Mr. Gooch

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that many rural electrification schemes are held up because of the difficulty experienced by companies in securing materials and men; and if he will facilitate the carrying out of these schemes in the interests of food production.

Mr. Shinwell

Yes, Sir, and all possible steps will be taken to alleviate the position, but as I stated in reply to the hon. Member for Peterborough (Mr. Tiffany) on 12th February last, progress is bound to be slower than we would wish because of the limited supplies of labour and materials.

Colonel Clarke

Does not the Minister think that some of this delay is due to the authorities insisting on too high a standard of construction, and could not some simpler form be considered such as is used in countries abroad?

Mr. Shinwell

I am not aware of any obstacles being put in the way of electricity authorities wishing to undertake expansion. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows of any such obstacles, perhaps he will let me know.

Colonel Thornton-Kemsley

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that many schemes of rural electrification are being held up by the lack of timber, and can he say what is being done about that?

Mr. Shinwell

I have an impression that there was a Question on the Order Paper about steel poles being used in place of timber pole?, but it has not been asked and, therefore, I cannot say anything about it.

Major Legge-Bourke

Could the right hon. Gentleman consider approaching the Postmaster-General with a view to trying to obtain some of the many poles which I believe are held by the Post Office?

Mr. Shinwell

I am looking at the Question on the Order Paper to see whether it refers to poles, but I cannot see anything about it.