§ 23. Mr. Braineasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will ascertain from the British Electricity Authority how much of the increased capital expenditure approved for rural electrification will be allocated to the Eastern Electricity Board; and what proportion of this sum is allocated to the Essex sub-area.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe allocation of the increased capital expenditure among the area boards is entirely a matter for the British Electricity Authority and the area boards, and I have no power to require them to provide the information requested.
§ Mr. G. BrownIs the right hon. Gentleman not clearly aware that unless steps are taken to get this additional capital investment allocated to the rural boards, the whole point of the exercise will be lost? Will he not, at any rate, get into touch with his right hon. Friend and get some powers to do it?
§ Sir T. DugdaleI am in touch all the time with my right hon. Friend. I want to make it abundantly clear that the position is as set out in answer to the Question. If there are any points of detail on which the right hon. Member wants information, he must put down a Question to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power.
§ Mr. G. BrownThe right hon. Gentleman is the Minister of Agriculture.
§ Sir T. DugdaleYes, but I am not the Minister of Fuel and Power.
§ Mr. DribergWhy did the right hon. Gentleman not transfer the Question?