Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in view of the shortage of suitable timber poles for extending high voltage electricity mains into rural areas, he will encourage the use of reinforced concrete poles.
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§ Mr. Shinwell:Reinforced concrete poles are suitable technically for 11,000 volt overhead lines but as they cost more than timber poles and are more expensive to install their use would seriously increase the cost of electricity in rural areas. I should not, therefore, feel justified in adopting the suggestion of the hon. Member unless the cost of using these poles can be considerably reduced.