HC Deb 21 November 1962 vol 667 c1195
14. Mr. Robert Cooke

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking under Section 96 (2) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act, 1947, to ensure the removal of unsightly telegraph and electricity lines from areas of scenic beauty in Scotland.

Mr. Noble

My prior consent is required for the erection of electricity lines, and amenity considerations are carefully weighed before consent is granted. I have not hitherto had representations about telegraph lines, which are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend, the Postmaster-General, and are not subject to the provision which my hon. Friend mentions.

Mr. Cooke

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply to the spirit rather than to the imprecise letters of the Question, may I take it that he will continue to try to preserve and improve the Highlands for the benefit of the English as well as of the Scots? Has he considered the use of poles, with a variety of contrasting colours, which would merge with the landscape?

Mr. Noble

I am not certain whether the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board has considered multi-coloured poles, but I am certain that if they are likely to be successful, my hon. Friend's Question will have brought it to their attention.

Mr. John MacLeod

While my hon. Friend may think that there might be something in the Question, will he ensure that this is not done before the people concerned get electricity?