Wells MP Tessa Munt wins chance to speak about pylons in Parliament

Tessa Munt's maiden MP speech centred on proposed pylons on the Somerset Levels and moors

A Somerset MP has won a ballot to speak in Parliament about pylons.

Wells Liberal Democrat Tessa Munt has long been a campaigner against plans by National Grid to construct a chain of pylons from Hinkley Point to Avonmouth.

The company will use the cables to carry electricity from the planned new nuclear power station but locals want them put under the Bristol Channel.

The debate, called under a Ten Minute Rule Motion, will take place on Tuesday, 5 July.

"These mini-debates are a great way of keeping an important issue in the parliamentary and public eye and I am very pleased to have the opportunity to speak again," she said.

Government report

It comes as a report into the costs of putting the power lines underground has been postponed.

The report, which was requested by the government, has been delayed by at least six months because data supplied by National Grid was considered "insufficient".

Paul Hipwell, from No Moor Pylons, said: "We are delighted to see MPs of all parties supporting this [debate] to ensure that all new power transmission goes underground just like the way gas and water lines are buried."

The government has also recently announced its support for a set of principles called the Holford Rules.

They state that electricity pylons should not be erected in the countryside if it can be avoided.