National Parks (Underground Supplies)

Oral Answers to Questions — Electricity – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 16 July 1964.

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Photo of Mr Robin Turton Mr Robin Turton , Thirsk and Malton 12:00, 16 July 1964

asked the Minister of Power whether he is aware that the several area electricity boards are adopting different policies towards meeting the cost of placing supplies underground in the National Parks; and whether he will issue general directions to the area electricity boards to adopt a common policy towards this problem.

Photo of Mr John Peyton Mr John Peyton , Yeovil

The answer to the first part is "Yes"; to the second, "No"; this is a matter which is and should be within the discretion of boards to settle in the light of particular circumstances.

Photo of Mr Robin Turton Mr Robin Turton , Thirsk and Malton

Arising from that reply, may I ask whether my hon. Friend is aware that those who farm or live in National Parks in the area of the North Eastern Electricity Board are so penalised by prohibitive charges for taking the lines underground that often they cannot afford to have electricity, while in National Parks in the areas of other boards the cost is spread over the whole area? Is not this quite contrary to the spirit of the Electricity Act, bearing in mind that those who get the advantage of these underground lines are not those who farm and live in National Parks, but those who farm and live outside and who visit the National Parks?

Photo of Mr John Peyton Mr John Peyton , Yeovil

I am, of course, aware of the difficulties to which my right hon. Friend has referred, but I very much regret that I cannot add to what my right hon. Friend wrote to him recently on the subject.

Photo of Mr Robin Turton Mr Robin Turton , Thirsk and Malton

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I give notice that I will raise this matter at an early opportunity.