§ 18. Mr. Loveysasked the Minister of Power when he estimates that high voltage electric current will be able to be distributed without the use of overhead cables.
§ Mr. ErrollThe possibility of using super-conducting wires, to which I assume my hon. Friend is referring, is still in its infancy, and it is much too early yet to say whether, and if so when, it is likely to become a practical and economic proposition.
§ Mr. LoveysMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that some scientists feel that there could be a break-through in this field, and could he at least give the assurance that, in conjunction with the Minister for Science, he is giving the highest possible priority to research into this problem so as to hasten the day when these pylons no longer crawl over the countryside?
§ Mr. ErrollThere are many aspects of transmission which call for a high degree of priority in research. This 453 matter has received its proper share. I remind my hon. Friend of the great difficulty of translating this concept into practical terms. It means, in short, putting underground a cable which is entirely surrounded by liquid helium at a very low temperature indeed, and keeping it cold for very considerable distances. This is not just a matter of research, but one of practical application.
§ Dr. StrossMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the amenity societies all the way from Dungeness to Cornwall are deeply disturbed by the fact that these enormous pylons are to carry overhead wires with a load of 400 kV.? If it is possible for a break-through to be achieved, it would help enormously in preserving the reasonable aspect of what little good countryside there is left to us.
Mr. EnrollI am fully aware of the feelings of the residents in the areas affected, but, as the important section of the proposed line has been the subject of a public inquiry, obviously I can say no more at the moment.