§ 70. Mr. Hugh Fraserasked the Minister of Power why permission has to be sought from his Department by the local electricity boards in every instance for each small connection and laying of cable; and to what extent delay could be avoided if the electricity boards were given power to sanction such small schemes under a certain financial limit without having to seek such approval from his Department.
§ Mr. John MorrisThis is not a question of financial control. It is a statutory requirement under the Electricity Acts that all overhead lines, except service lines, must have my right hon. Friend's consent, and to dispense with this would require legislation. It would still be necessary, however, for planning permission and wayleaves to be obtained, and the present procedure does not add appreciably to the delay. Underground cables do not require consent.