§ 14. Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Minister of Power what research into the reduction of the cost of underground cables in place of overhead pylons has been settled by his Department with the electricity industry.
§ Mr. ErrollSince the reply is a long one, I am writing to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. Stratton MillsIs my right hon. Friend aware that the countryside is being gradually ruined by the extension of these overhead pylons and that this is making a farce of town and country planning? Is he further aware that the public would probably be prepared to pay slightly more for having these cables put underground, and could he say whether the price differential between the two systems is now being gradually reduced?
§ Mr. ErrollIn reply to the last part of the supplementary question, the price differential is being gradually reduced, but it is still very big. The additional cost of laying underground cables to carry the 400 Kv. supply is really prohibitive in most circumstances. The Central Electricity Generating Board takes immense trouble to ensure that routes for overhead pylons shall not affect amenities, and the public should be grateful to the board for the good work that it does in this respect.
§ Mr. AllasonHas my right hon. Friend investigated the situation in Ger- 1490 many where I believe they have managed to reduce the financial differential considerably?
§ Mr. ErrollI have had reports of what has been done in Germany. These are under examination, but I think that British industry in this field is every bit as good as, if not better than, German industry.
§ Mr. Stratton MillsCould my right hon. Friend give some indication of what the ultimate price to the consumer will be by using the underground system? What will be the percentage?
§ Mr. ErrollI do not think it is possible to produce an estimate of this sort, because it depends on how much voltage is to be undergrounded and whether the additional charges should be levied on all consumers or only on those who are likely to benefit.