§ 39. Mr. Spenceasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what percentage of the electric transmission line poles imported from Germany are being allocated to Scotland.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe wooden poles, which are beginning to arrive from Germany, will require seasoning for six months at least before they can be used. No allocation so far has been made to the electricity supply industry.
§ Mr. SpenceMay I ask the Minister for an assurance that when the poles are allocated the needs of rural Scotland will be considered?
§ Mr. ShinwellYes, we must take that into account.
§ Mr. BoothbyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many schemes for rural electrification in Scotland, promised several years ago, have been held up, and the excuse given in every case is the lack of these poles?
§ Mr. ShinwellYes, but they have become scarcer in the last few years.