HC Deb 20 December 1938 vol 342 c2701W
Commander Marsden

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the recent complete breakdown of the electricity supply throughout a large area of West Surrey; if there was any alternative supply available from the grid system; and, if so, why it was not brought into service?

Mr. Burgin

My attention has been drawn to this breakdown, which occurred while new switchgear of larger capacity was being installed in the Kingston generating station in place of the existing switchgear. The Electricity Commissioners at once arranged for a public inquiry, which was opened yesterday. A supply was available at Kingston from the grid system, but as the switchboard and associated cables in the station were destroyed by fire, this supply could not be used until other connections were made.