HC Deb 01 March 1956 vol 549 c150W
61. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power how the reduction in the capital investment programme of the Central Electricity Authority will affect provision for new consumers and hiring of electrical appliances.

Mr. Renton

As my right hon. Friend has already told the House, only half the total reduction will fall on distribution. In turn, only a part of this amount will affect new supplies. There may, however, be some slight delay in connecting prospective consumers.

The Boards have agreed not to buy additional apparatus for hiring, and the programme therefore makes no provision for new expenditure under this head; but apparatus at present on hire is not affected and when given up by its present users can be rehired.