HC Deb 08 December 1964 vol 703 cc1310-2
21. Sir T. Beamish

asked the Minister of Power what would be the extra cost of carrying out the recommendations of the Central Electricity Generating Board's inspector to adopt the blue route in the Fernhurst Valley as opposed to the red route for the line of 160 ft. high pylons proposed, thus following the least conspicuous route across the area about to be declared as of outstanding natural beauty.

Mr. Frederick Lee

About £108,000. The recommendation was made by inspectors appointed by my predecessor to hold the public inquiry.

Sir T. Beamish

Does the fact that consent has been given mean that even the route cannot be varied? In view of the very small extra cost, in comparison with the cost of burying this cable, is not the best answer a compromise of this sort, rather than that we should ruin one of the most glorious stretches of the English countryside?

Mr. Lee

The main reason for rejection was that the so-called blue route appeared to have little hope of being more acceptable than the present route, since the National Parks Commission, the National Trust and the Council for the Preservation of Rural England preferred the red route, which the Board put forward on the recommendation of Miss Sylvia Crowe, the eminent landscape consultant.

Mr. Hordern

How does the Minister explain the fact that his own inspectors preferred the blue route as opposed to the red route in this area, on the specific ground that it would affect far fewer residents than would have been affected by the original route?

Mr. Lee

I cannot explain the reasons for the inspectors coming to that decision; all I can say is that the Minister is not bound to accept the recommendations of his inspectorate. I should think that the answer is that the hon. Member might have consulted the former Minister of Power.

Sir T. Beamish

What does the Minister mean when he says that the blue route would have little hope of being more acceptable than the red route? What has that to do with it?

Mr. Lee

All the objections that have been raised in respect of the existing route would have been raised in connection with the other route, if that had been preferred. There would have been equal protestation from those who would have been affected if that route had been taken.