§ Mr. Wadeasked the Minister of Power what advice he has received from the Electricity Council under Section 3 (4) of the Electricity Act, 1957, as to the relative merits and costs of electricity transmission by overhead and underground cables; and to what exten, in considering such advice, he takes into account the spoliation of the countryside by overhead pylons.
§ Mr. GeorgeMy right hon. Friend has not had to consult the Electricity82W Council under Section 3 (4), because the relative merits and costs of overhead and underground lines are generally known. The latter are less liable to breakdown and need less maintenance than overhead lines, but they are very much more expensive. The Council sends regular reports about research into ways of reducing the cost of underground lines in connection with the industry's research programme. In considering any application to erect an overhead line, my right hon. Friend has to take into account its effect on amenities.
§ Mr. Wadeasked the Minister of Power, in settling programmes of major capital development with the Electricity Board, what consideration he gives to the relative costs of electricity transmission by overhead and underground cables; and, in considering such costs, to what extent he has regard to the longer period of time that underground cables are preserved from damage or deterioration by the elements.
§ Mr. GeorgeMy right hon. Friend approves the general programme of capital investment by the electricity boards, which takes account of the relative capital and operating costs of underground and overhead transmission. The question of installing overhead or underground lines is best considered in relation to particular projects, and any proposal by a board to erect an overhead line requires the consent of my right hon. Friend.