§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Minister of Power what approximate estimate he has of the annual increase in mileage of overhead and underground power lines, respectively; and what progress has been made in reducing the cost of putting them underground.
§ Mr. FreesonDuring the three years 1967–68–1969–70 the Central Electricity Generating Board estimate that their overhead lines and underground cables will increase by an average of about 460 route miles and 180 circuit miles a year respectively.
191WSimilar information is not readily available for the Area Boards, but during the 12 months ending 31st March, 1967, the last date for which firm figures are available, their overhead lines and underground cables, over 650 volts, increased by 2,121 and 2,336 circuit miles respectively.
Table 18 of the Central Electricity Generating Board's Statistical Yearbook 1967 shows costs and paragraph 14 of the Board's Annual Report for 1966–67 states the immediate prospects on cost.