asked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he is aware that the British Electricity Authority, due to delays in implementing its construction programme, is at present unable to spend all the money which has been allocated to it for capital development purposes; and if he will therefore review its construction programme.

No. Owing mainly to better progress on site work and improved deliveries the expenditure incurred by the British Electricity Authority and the area boards on capital construction in 1950 was considerably in excess of the amount originally allocated. It appears probable that in 1951 also the estimates made in 1950 will be exceeded, but the full effect of raw material and other shortages cannot yet be gauged. For this and other reasons the constructional programme is at present being reviewed.