HC Deb 18 December 1961 vol 651 c115W
78. Mr. Ainsley

asked the Minister of Power whether his attention has been drawn to the failure of the Electricity Council to provide uninterrupted service in the Crook area of North-West Durham; if he is aware that no notice was given of this and previous breakdowns; and what action he has taken in the matter.

Mr. George

On 29th October a fault developed in a cable belonging to the North Ea stern Electricity Board causing a failure of the supply in the Crook area. Two days later, on 1st November, the supply was cut off for about an hour and a quarter, to replace the faulty cable. No notice could have been given of the first interruption, which was quite unexpected; I understand the Board consulted the bigger industral consumers who would be affected before the supply was cut off on 1st November. My right hon. Friend is asking the Board to ensure that in future at least twenty-four hours' notice is given of planned interruptions of the supply to all consumers likely to be affected.