SOUTH-EAST ELECTRICITY SCHEME.

HC Deb 10 November 1927 vol 210 cc392-3W

Major GLYN

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the cost of generating electricity in the stations which are to be displaced under the new south-east electricity scheme, now id. a unit, has been estimated to be ¾d. under the new authority; and whether it is intended, in order that country districts may participate in the saving thus effected, to average the charge with the populated areas or to reduce the distributing costs by overhead transmission?

Colonel ASHLEY

With regard to the question of tariff for electricity supplied by the Central Electricity Board, I would refer my hon. Friend to the provisions contained in Section 11 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1926. With regard to the point raised in the last part of the question, I have no doubt that undertakers will, in order to diminish the cost of distribution, adopt overhead transmission so far as possible.

Mr. BARNES

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that a large number of authorised undertakers have asked the Central Electricity Board to extend the time for representation on the South-East England electricity scheme and that their request has been refused; and whether he will endeavour to obtain a reversal of this decision?

Colonel ASHLEY

This matter is one within the discretion of the Central Electricity Board. I understand, however, that although the time required by the Act is one month, the Board fixed six weeks in the case of the scheme to which the hon. Member refers.

Mr. BARNES

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the magnitude of the interests concerned, he will represent to the Central Electricity Board the desirability of holding a public inquiry into the South-east England electricity scheme as contemplated in Section 4 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1926?

Colonel ASHLEY

The nature of the inquiries to be held by the Central Electricity Board is a matter expressly left to their discretion by the Statute, and I understand that the form of procedure to be adopted by the Board will be decided by them when they have received and examined the representations made to them.