asked the Minister of Transport the number of parishes in the area of South Kesteven Rural District Council which are still without a supply of electricity?

I am informed that the number of parishes in the rural district of South Kesteven in which a supply of electricity has not yet been provided is 11 out of 34.

Will the Minister use such influence as he has in order to see that this is carried out as speedily as possible?

Yes, Sir, I will, but we must have some regard to the realities and there are some parishes with under 10 consumers.

Mr. De la Bère:

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the unsatisfactory state of affairs in the rural areas round Evesham in connection with this matter; is he also aware that a public inquiry was held and that nothing has taken place since?

asked the Minister of Transport when the transformation of electric current in the Westminster area from direct current to alternating current will be completed?

Over 90 per cent. of the consumers in the Westminster area are now being supplied on alternating current, but the undertakers are unable to indicate a date by which the change-over will be fully completed.

Would it not be possible to expedite the transference of this small percentage in view of the inconvenience which is being caused at present?

The consumers who have not been changed over to alternating current are mainly those with medical and other apparatus and the company propose to continue for the time being to supply those consumers on the direct current main.

asked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he is aware of the great inconvenience to the populations of Blackpool, Lytham St. Annes, and the Fylde coast during the black-out caused by the failure of electricity supply over the week-end of 7th January; and what steps it is proposed to take, by way of provision of reserve or duplicate plant, to prevent such failures of the grid in the future;

(2) whether the findings of the inquiry held at Preston on 2nd February on behalf of the Electricity Commissioners into the causes of the failure of electricity supply over the week-end of 7th January in Blackpool, Lytham St. Annes, and the Fylde coast will be published; and whether the inspector has recommended to the commissioners any means of preventing such a breakdown in the future?

The report made by the chief engineering inspector of the Electricity Commissioners as the outcome of the public inquiry into the causes of this failure was presented to the commissioners on 2nd March; is under consideration and will be published at an early date.