HC Deb 15 May 1950 vol 475 cc835-6
21. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he will now arrange for the relaxation of the restrictions imposed at his request upon the supply of electricity to houses which have an alternative source of lighting where the existing facilities are unsatisfactory.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

In any case where a householder would suffer hardship if electricity were not installed, the area board may, in their discretion, provide it. But unfortunately there is still a shortage of generating plant, and the amount of capital allocated to the development of electricity distribution has been reduced; in consequence, demand exceeds supply, and it is impossible to give electricity to all the householders who want it. For the present, therefore, priority must be given to industry, to farms, and to new houses which have no other means of lighting.

Mr. Vane

May I ask the Minister when he thinks he will be able to relax these regulations? Cannot he see that they are most unfair to the many people who put in applications years ago and who still see no chance of obtaining a supply of electricity, while there are new houses with many other amenities which have it?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I fully understand that and the grievances involved. It really depends on the scale of the capital investment programme.