HC Deb 08 December 1964 vol 703 cc1304-5
2. Mr. Hordern

asked the Minister of Power whether, in view of the continuing concern expressed in West Sussex over the decision to construct a 400 kilovolt overhead line from Bolney to Lovedean. he will order a public inquiry to be held.

11. Mr. Loveys

asked the Minister of Power what representations he has received concerning the decision to construct a 400 kilovolt overhead line from Bolney to Lovedean; and whether he will review the decision.

Mr. Frederick Lee

A public inquiry was held in 1963. There has been a considerable volume of further protest since my predecessor came to a decision last July. On the possibility of a review I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to my hon. Friends, the Members for Wood Green (Mrs. Joyce Butler) and Brighton, Kemptown (Mr. Hobden) on 1st December.

Mr. Hordern

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in supporting this decision, he is going against expert advice about the safety of these pylons, that there is considerable dispute about the cost of underground cables and that, in upholding the decision, he is going against the advice of his own Department's inspectors about the routing of these pylons? In the light of these factors, will he now call for a further inquiry and take what further steps may be necessary to reverse the existing position?

Mr. Lee

The hon. Gentleman should realise that this was not just an administrative decision. It was a formal consent issued to the Board under the Act after all statutory requirements had been applied. If a Minister had power to withdraw consent at any time, boards would be placed in an impossible position.

Mr. Loveys

In view of the great concern over the increase of pylons crossing the countryside, could not the right hon. Gentleman at least give an assurance that everything possible is being done through scientific research to hasten the day when this type of cable can be economically buried underground? Will he be able to make a statement on the subject in the near future?

Mr. Lee

I think that the hon. Gentleman is aware of the figures. The cost of putting a 400 kV cable underground would be about £1 million per mile as against £54,000 per mile for overhead construction. The Board and I—as was, I am sure, my predecessor—are very conscious of the problem of amenity and will do everything possible to improve the position as scientific research makes it possible to do so.

Mr. Paget

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the M.1 on its most expensive stretch cost less than £1 million a mile and that we find it quite impossible to believe that it would cost even one-tenth of that to bury a cable?

Mr. Lee

My hon. and learned Friend will remember some of the things that have happened to the M.1 as well. I do not claim expert knowledge on this matter. I merely take the figures that experts have given to me.

Mr. Hordern

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.