§ 21. Mr. G. Jegerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what letters he has received objecting to the proposals of the North West Electricity Board to erect masts, wires and overhead cables in Borrowdale; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydThe North Western Electricity Board has now announced that it will lay underground the whole of the new line as far as Rosthwaite, including the circuit of Derwentwater. The Board has stated that the remaining section of the Borrowdale line is receiving further examination.
§ Mr. JegerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this pronouncement has been received with general acclamation and that we would like to congratulate the North Western Electricity Board on its change of mind and its decision to preserve the beauty of Borrowdale?
§ Mr. Anthony GreenwoodAs the effect of this very welcome decision will be to protect an area of great national importance, could the right hon. Gentleman tell us how the cost will be borne? Will it be spread over all the undertakings of the Electricity Authority? If there is any difficulty, could he have a word with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about using the National Land Fund for a purpose of this kind?
§ Mr. LloydI do not think that I need bother my right hon. Friend on this occasion, because when I received a letter from the National Parks Commission I sent an officer to the Lake District. He walked over the route of the line and, following discussions with the North West Electricity Board, the present course was adopted. It has been stated that on this occasion there will be no increase in the cost of electricity to people who are to be connected as a result.