ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

HC Deb 14 December 1938 vol 342 cc2012-3W

Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the fact that the parishes of Bigby, Grasby, Somerby, and Searby-cum-Owmby, are still without an electricity supply, although it has arrived at Caistor; and whether, in view of the usefulness of electricity for agricultural and domestic purposes, he will take any steps in the matter?

Mr. Burgin

I have asked the Electricity Commissioners to make inquiries and I will advise my hon. and gallant Friend of the outcome.

Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the continued delay on the part of the Government in failing to introduce legislation for the reorganisation of electricity distribution is seriously hampering local authorities because of the refusal of the Electricity Commissioners to sanction loans for the normal development and extension of publicly-owned undertakings; and whether he is now in a position to make a definite statement as to the Government's intentions?

Mr. Burgin

I am not aware of any grounds for the suggestion that the Electricity Commissioners are refusing to sanction loans for the normal development and extension of publicly owned electricity undertakings. I shall be glad if the hon. Member will give me the facts of any case where it is alleged there has been such refusal. As regards the last part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister on the 10th November to the hon. Member for South Shields (Mr. Ede).

Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Minister of Transport how many local authorities and companies, respectively, in Scotland supply electricity to the public; and what is the lowest normal charge per unit for lighting and for heat, respectively, by such local authorities and companies, respectively?

Mr. Burgin

Thirty-six public authorities and 30 companies are supplying electricity to the public in Scotland under statutory powers. With regard to the second part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the first part of my answer to his question of the 29th November.