HC Deb 25 February 1954 vol 524 c546
11. Mr. Gower

asked the Minister of Agriculture the proportion of electrical development in the rural areas of Wales compared with the remainder of Britain during the financial year 1953–54.

Sir T. Dugdale

The number of farms given an electricity supply for the first time during 1953 was 2,001 in Wales and Monmouth, and 10,202 supplied by area electricity boards elsewhere. These figures are approximately 3–7 per cent, and 4–4 per cent., respectively, of the total number of farms regarded as capable of being connected to a mains supply. I have no other information about electrical development in rural Wales.

Mr. Gower

I thank the Minister for his reply and for the progress which was achieved last year, but will he do all he can to bring about an increase in the proportion for rural parts of Wales compared with the country as a whole?

Sir T. Dugdale

Yes, Sir. It is not my direct responsibility, but I am sure my hon. Friend will agree that definite progress has been made during the last 12 months.

Mr. Donnelly

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that this represents an increase of 200 or 300 per cent, compared with the days before the nationalisation of the electricity supply industry?

Sir T. Dugdale

That is another question.