§ Mr. Mathewasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ensure that the problem of providing capital for farm and other rural electricity extension schemes as well as for reinforcement of existing supplies, which is particularly heavy in the Devon sector of the South Western Electricity Boards area, is fully taken into consideration during the review now being made with a view to a relaxation of restrictions in the public sector of investment.
§ Mr. SimonI know that the electricity boards, in consultation with the Electricity Council, have taken the demand for rural electrification into account in submitting their proposals for the purpose of the current review of investment. The size of the programme eventually agreed upon will depend, however, on a great many factors; and the division of that programme between the various purposes which it covers will be considered in relation to the total requirements of the boards.