§ 15. Mr. G. HARDIEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Government are taking any steps to prevent any further private monopoly in the remaining places in Scotland where water power can be used?
§ Mr. ELLIOTAny large-scale water power scheme can only be carried out if Parliament sees fit to authorise it by conferring the requisite statutory powers, and consequently there appears to be no necessity for taking any such further steps as are suggested.
§ Mr. HARDIECan the Government see their way, in order to guide the trade North instead of South, to ask for some of the surplus power generated there be given to other industries, and so help the Highlands to a better state of life?
§ Mr. ELLIOTCertainly.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs the Secretary of State for Scotland now prepared to approach the Cabinet to see that something is done in that respect, not only on existing power contracts but on the work that is coming before this House soon?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI understand that the one coming before this House soon is in virtue of power required for local industries.
§ Mr. HARDIEIt is to attract industries that want to go there that they shall have a share of that power, is the reason for asking these questions.