§ 29. Mr. Kershawasked the Paymaster-General how many overhead power lines he has authorised to be erected running northwards and eastwards from Berkeley; and of what height the pylons will be.
§ Sir I. HorobinNo overhead lines have yet been authorised. The height of the towers, if authorised, would be 89 feet.
§ Mr. KershawIs my hon. Friend aware that that reply will be received with a certain amount of surprise, because officials in that part of the world have been very busy contacting landowners about overhead lines? Is he aware that in a very short period the country will be covered with a spider web of power lines unless some better plan is put up? Is there no possibility of distributing electricity without covering the whole country with these hideous pylons?
§ Sir I. HorobinIt is technically possible, of course, to put the lines underground, but the extra cost is quite fantastic over long distances. Therefore, the Ministry makes every effort to see whether it can combine economical distribution with the minimum damage to amenity. It is impossible to please everybody, but we do our best.