asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the number of householders who were not quoted installation costs under the 1971-75 Rural Electrification Scheme; and if he will now extend the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act, 1976, to include these householders.
Written Answers. - Rural Electrification Scheme.
285.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that they have not details of the number of householders who were not quoted terms for connection to the electricity supply under the 1971-75 Scheme of Rural Electrification.
I am also informed that all house-holders in the 792 rural areas into which the country was divided by the board for administration of the scheme were given the opportunity of applying for supply when the scheme was in operation in their area or district. All those who applied for supply were subsequently quoted subsidised terms for supply but, as the Deputy is aware, not all householders who were quoted accepted the terms offered.
The 1971-75 scheme is now being wound-up whilst work is proceeding on the scheme authorised by the Act of 1976. The problems which will remain on completion of all schemes of subsidised rural electrification some time next year are at present being examined.