HC Deb 06 April 1949 vol 463 cc2026-7
6. Commander Agnew

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether his Department is now prepared to give financial assistance to the South-Western Electricity Board in connection with the requirement that the mains to the villages of Perranzabuloe, Penhallow, Rose and Rosehill must be brought underground.

The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Walter Edwards)

No, Sir. The circumstances of this case are by no means unique and the Admiralty's attitude con-forms with established usage. I am arranging for the South-Western Electricity Board to be informed officially of the Admiralty's views.

Commander Agnew

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that, although the Admiralty are legally on sound ground in not considering themselves liable to make any payment, grave hardship will fall on the village people of these districts solely as a result of the Admiralty requirement that the mains should be brought underground; and will he therefore consider making an ex gratia payment?

Mr. Edwards

I do not consider that hardship will be caused as a result of the Admiralty's action. This matter is left to the South-Western Electricity Board, and it is their financial responsibility.

Mr. R. S. Hudson

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that this action and this decision make nonsense of the pledge given by the Minister of Fuel and Power during the passage of the Electricity Act, that steps would be taken to provide electricity in rural areas?

Mr. Edwards

That is another question.