HC Deb 13 July 1965 vol 716 cc256-7
19. The Earl of Dalkeith

asked the Minister of Power what experiments are being carried out into the camouflaging of electricity pylons with a view to lessening their adverse effect upon the beauty of the countryside; and if he will make a statement on his conclusions on the results that are so far available to him.

Mr. John Morris

Experiments with camouflage painting in 1960 led to the conclusion that, for the majority of conditions, the natural grey of weathered galvanised steel rendered towers least noticeable.

The Earl of Dalkeith

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that as fast as we build up the tourist industry and increase the amount of overseas and foreign exchange revenue derived therefrom the electricity boards are doing their utmost to spoil the look of the countryside which the tourists come here to see? Will he consider this as a matter of some urgency and, if necessary, appoint a special amenity committee to look into the matter and advise him on how to site pylons and how to disguise them in future?

Mr. Morris

I am sure that the noble Lord appreciates the importance of taking electricity to every part of the country. As to looking at the matter closely, certain experiments were carried out by the Central Electricity Generating Board as far back as 1960, when it had the assistance of the war-time Chief Development Officer of the Army School of Camouflage. Various colours and combinations of colours were tried, but in the changing conditions none was successful in merging towers into their backgrounds. The Council for the Preservation of Rural England reached the same conclusion as the Central Electricity Generating Board—that weathered grey or galvanised steel were the best to use.

Mr. Wainwright

Would my hon. Friend agree that the cost involved in this work should be the responsibility of the Government, in view of the considerable expenditure involved in activities of this kind? When deciding these issues, will he remember that for many years private enterprise left huge mountains of derelict refuse throughout the country and did not spend a penny on clearing it up? Since the National Coal Board and the Central Electricity Generating Board are spending a considerable amount of money to prevent the countryside from being spoilt, will my hon. Friend make representations to his right hon. Friends in other Ministries and persuade them to bear some of this cost?

Mr. Ridley

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is great concern about the amenity aspect of pylons? Everyone recognises that they are necessary, but is he satisfied with the design of pylons from the aesthetic point of view and would it not be advantageous if further thought were given to improving their design?

Mr. Morris

If the hon. Gentleman has any specific point to make about design, I would be very interested to hear it. I am sure that all these matters are borne in mind by the Central Electricity Generating Board in its desire to minimise the impact of these very necessary towers on beautiful parts of the country.

Mr. Shinwell

If these pylons are to be camouflaged or repainted in this way, would my hon. Friend give an assurance that they will not be painted in antinationalisation Tory colours?