Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Glyn Davies Excerpts
Wednesday 3rd July 2013

(11 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Stephen Crabb Portrait Stephen Crabb
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These transmission projects are best dealt with case by case. The problem with a default position of saying they should always be underground is that it adds huge cost and complexity, making projects unaffordable. We want to keep the lights on in Wales, so we need infrastructure that is affordable, but I will certainly look into the specific point the hon. Gentleman raises about the consultation period with Western Power.

Glyn Davies Portrait Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con)
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National Grid has proposed to construct a 40 km 400 kV line through my constituency, but the local economy depends to a significant extent on its physical beauty and tourism. Will the Secretary of State press National Grid to ensure that if it does go ahead with this monstrous proposal it will be placed entirely underground?

Stephen Crabb Portrait Stephen Crabb
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National Grid has already given a commitment that where possible it will use underground cabling projects in my hon. Friend’s constituency, but in my discussion with National Grid the week after next I will certainly raise the point again and come back to my hon. Friend with a fuller answer.