HC Deb 23 July 1951 vol 491 cc21-2
31. Mr. Crouch

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how many rural electricity undertakings there were in 1922, 1939, 1948 and 1951, respectively; and how many farms were taking current during each of these years.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

Before the industry was nationalised, nearly all the electricity undertakings served rural, as well as urban, areas. All the area electricity boards now do so. I regret that I have no information about how many farms were connected to the mains in 1922 and 1939. On 31st March, 1948, the number was 80,770; on 31st March, 1950, it was 99,365.

Mr. Crouch

Were these increases brought about entirely due to the development of electricity and, proportionately, has there been no greater development of electricity in agriculture than of electricity in industry?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I should not like to answer that without notice. What I can say is that I think the development of electricity in agriculture is going faster today than ever before.

Mr. R. A. Butler

In that case, would the Minister expedite schemes in north Essex which have been deliberately turned down on the excuse that it was impossible at present to make progress in this matter?

Mr. Noel-Baker

The right hon. Member knows that the restrictions on total investment limit the number of connections that have been made, but the connections since 1947 have been more than before.

Mr. Butler

In that case, why did the right hon. Gentleman answer previously that things were going very well "?

Major Legge-Bourke

Will the Minister bear in mind that although some progress has been made, before nationalisation many of the companies had prepared schemes which, had they been allowed to go ahead with them, would by now probably have covered every village in certain areas, but that only very few have, in fact, been reached?

Mr. Hugh Fraser

Will the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind that in Staffordshire there were schemes that were approved in 1939 but which are not yet completed, and will he make a statement to the House about his plans for rural electrification in the immediate future?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I am most anxious to help forward all profitable schemes—all schemes for the national advantage—but the hon. Member will, I am sure, recognise that there has been a war.