HC Deb 20 November 1950 vol 481 cc2-3
2. Mr. Vane

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is satisfied that the necessary co-ordination exists between the electricity and gas authorities in rural areas to ensure that the extensions of either gas o electricity mains are made in the best interests of the district.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

The construction of electricity or gas mains for the supply of rural areas is the responsibility of the gas and electricity area boards. If the hon. Member will let me know of any case where unco-ordinated extension has occurred, I will bring the matter to the notice of the area boards concerned.

Mr. Vane

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very large expenditure is being incurred in improving existing gas mains in a district of Westmorland, where there is also electricity, while there are many parts of the county which have neither one service nor the other? Is he also aware that when people in the district put forward a plea to the electricity authority to extend their mains they are always told that the capital expenditure would not be allowed?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will let me have the details.