§ Major GLYNasked the Minister of Transport if he can now make a statement as to the reason for the prolonged delay by the authorised undertakers, the Wessex Power Company, in carrying out contracts and obligations for the supply of light and power in various towns and 648W is intended eventually to merge the rescue stations at Larbert, Bathgate, and Lesmahagow, with the rescue station at Coatbridge.
villages in North Berkshire; the reason why officials who were dealing with various residents and local authorities on behalf of the authorised undertakers have in many cases left the district, thus causing much delay and extra work; and whether the Electricity Commissioners will take the necessary steps to investigate the situation and report to the Minister of Transport?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONThe area of supply of the power company has been divided into three main portions for the purpose of the submission of schemes of development to the Electricity Commissioners. A scheme for the first portion has been submitted and approved and is in process of being carried into effect. A scheme for the second portion, comprising North Berkshire and other areas, has been submitted but the Commissioners have asked for certain amendments and extensions which are at present under discussion, and the Commissioners have also asked the company to expedite the preparation and submission of their scheme for the remaining portion of the area. I have no information with regard to the point referred to in the second part of the question, but, as regards the future, the Commissioners believe that now that the Central Board's regional scheme for main line transmission has been published, development should be expedited, and they are keeping in touch with the company in the matter.