asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the stated policy of the Government to decentralise industry, he will urgently examine, in co-operation with the Electricity Supply Board, the possibilities of making power available in rural areas where an industry is about to be established to enable promoters to procure a supply without being called upon to contribute the very substantial sum of money towards the cost of the necessary lines and transformers; further, whether it would be possible to give a small area in such circumstances preference under the rural electrification scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Industrial Decentralisation.
The fixing of rates of charge for electricity falls within the functions conferred by statute on the Electricity Supply Board and I have no responsibility in the matter. The selection of areas for development under the rural electrification scheme depends on the estimated revenue in relation to the capital cost of the extension. It follows, therefore, that if an industry is established in a rural area, the prospective power load must improve the area's chance of selection.