21. Mr. Dugdaleasked the Postmaster-General whether he has considered the representations of the West Bromwich Council about his decision to erect overhead cables on some of the council's new housing estates; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarplesYes, Sir. We propose to provide underground cables. In accordance with our usual practice, cables will run underground to distribution points, and from there by overhead wires to the houses. To provide underground cables all the way to the houses would nearly double the cost, and I do not think this would be justified.
Mr. DugdaleDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is very unfair to local authorities which try to lay out their estates as pleasantly as possible that these horrible things should be peppered all over them? Would he like one in front of his own house? Has he one? Would he like to have one?
§ Mr. MarplesI have one at the back of my house.