asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the construction of a new generating station at Little Barford, as proposed by the Electricity Commissioners; whether he is aware that it will not be in proximity to any load and that the needs of the area could be better met by the inter-connection of the Peterborough, Luton, and Bedford stations; and whether he will state the present position of the scheme?

The present position of this scheme is that the Electricity Commissioners, as the result of a local inquiry, have made an Order authorising the compulsory acquisition of lands for the purpose of constructing a generating station at Little Barford. This Order has now been submitted to me for confirmation, and before confirming it it will be my duty to consider any objections that may be made in accordance with the prescribed procedure.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say, if it be found that the needs can be met by local stations, whether he will hold a further inquiry?

No, Sir. I will, if necessary, hold an inquiry while the Order is before me for confirmation.