§ Mr. du Cannasked the Minister of Power if he is aware that rural dwellers may be precluded from obtaining an 219W electricity supply because of increased costs in cases where planning authorities require supply lines to be laid underground; what remedial action he proposes to take by way of special grant or otherwise; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreesonThere are serious difficulties in giving grants to cover the extra cost arising from planning requirements. However, if Rural Development Boards are set up under the Agriculture Act, 1967 they may be able to give financial help in certain circumstances. Also, under his new farm improvement scheme, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will take into account the extra cost of under-grounding cables when making grants for mains electricity supply, provided that the total cost is reasonable in relation to the agricultural benefits of the improvement.