§ Sir G. Jeffreysasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether his attention has been drawn to the fact of power being generated close to the coalmines has been successfully operated in New Zealand for a considerable time; if he has considered carrying power by means of the high-tension grid system to London and elsewhere; and if he will try this cheaper and more convenient method of providing power for London than the proposed new power station.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe answer to the first part is, "No." I understand that the principal source of supply of electricity in New Zealand is water power. The question of generation at coalfields in Great Britain has, however, by no means been overlooked and as regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the276W hon. and gallant Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for East Willesden (Mr. Orbach) on 27th February. On the last part I am advised that it is more economical at present to transport coal to London and the South Coast by sea than it would be to transmit electrical energy from the coalfields supplying these areas.