§ Mr. Kimballasked the Paymaster-General, in view of a recent case in the Isle of Axholm, Lincolnshire, details of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Gainsborough, if he will have consultations with the Electricity Board to prevent widespread and unnecessary damage to growing crops when pylons are erected on farmland.
§ Sir I. HorobinMy noble Friend is satisfied that the electricity boards and their contractors are anxious to keep damage to a minimum. In the case which my hon. Friend has quoted the Generating Board kept in touch with the 189W local branch of the National Farmers' Union whom they consulted about restoration. The boards are required by Statute to make full compensation for damage, and in the event of dispute the amount would be settled by an arbitrator appointed by my noble Friend.