§ Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Power by what percentage wayleave payments 170W for electricity poles have been increased since 1945; and by what percentages the rents of farm land and the cost of electricity to the consumer have increased in the same period.
§ Mr. PeytonThe different rates paid by the large number of electricity supply undertakings in 1945 are not readily available. After negotiations with the National Farmers' Union and the Country Landowners' Association the following agreed annual rates were introduced by the electricity supply industry in 1954, and remain in operation:
Average farm rents in England and Wales have increased by about 150 per cent. since 1946 (a comparison with 1945 is not available); and the average price of electricity to all consumers in Great Britain increased by 43 per cent. between 1946 and 1963.
s. d. Rental payments: single pole 1 0 each additional pole 6 Compensation payments: arable land—single pole 5 0 —"A" or "H" pole 7 6 cultivated grassland—single pole 2 6 —"A" or "H" pole 3 9