HC Deb 30 November 1953 vol 521 cc745-6
11. Mr. Crouch

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if, in view of the fall in the price of copper and rubber, he will give directions to the British Electricity Authority for a further extension of rural electrification.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for drawing my attention to this matter. Following the debate in this House the electricity boards, I am glad to say, are making good progress in rural electrification and they are being helped by the fall in the prices of these materials.

Mr. Crouch

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, as a result of the fall in the price of rubber and copper, a number of small villages and hamlets in rural areas, who have been struggling for years to get electricity, will shortly be in a position to be supplied?

Mr. Lloyd

I think that also followed from the debate this year.

Captain Pilkington

If there is such an extension, will the Minister see that the cost does not fall too heavily upon rural authorities?

Mr. Lloyd

I do not think that that question will arise in this case.