39. Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware of the long delays in deciding the routes of overhead electricity cables in National Parks owing to the large number of interests concerned and the inevitable difficulty of reaching agreement; and whether he will introduce a simpler procedure.
§ Mr. RentonOnly in rare and exceptional cases affecting certain National Park areas have prolonged consultations been found necessary. These have been due to the difficult issues involved, and my right hon. Friend does not consider that it would be feasible to introduce a simpler procedure.
Mr. VaneIf my hon. and learned Friend finds in the light of his experience that the delays in deciding routes for overhead and underground cables are inevitably prolonged, will he consider introducing amending legislation?
§ Mr. RentonIf there should be a vast number of long delays—which, so far, there have not been—my right hon. Friend would no doubt need to consider further action in the matter.