§ Mr. Hall-Caineasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that approximately go per cent. of the agricultural holdings of this country are at present without electricity supply; how such percentage compares with that obtaining in Holland, Denmark, Sweden and Germany; and whether he can now give an assurance that the question of rural electricity supply in this country will be dealt with as one of urgency?
§ Mr. BurginWhile no official statistics are available as to the number of agricultural holdings in Great Britain which have a supply of electricity, I am informed that at the end of the year 1936–37 approximately 25,000 farms and horticultural premises out of 136,000, or just over 18 per cent., were obtaining a supply. In regard to the second part of the question, I have no information which would enable me to make: itch a comparison. With regard to the third part I cannot amplify the recent statement by the Prime Minister.