§ 86. Mr. HARDIEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his Department are prepared to consider using the water power in Inverness for the purpose of providing power for the production of materials essential to industry in this country?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)No, Sir. My right hon. Friend does not consider that it would be competent for his Department to undertake the construction of hydro-electric works, but all aspects of the economic development of the Highlands will continue to receive his attention.
§ Mr. HARDIEIn view of the decision of the House on the Bill the other evening dealing with this area, will the Scottish Department approach the Cabinet in order to ensure that since there are difficulties in beginning this work for the production of materials essential to industry, the Government themselves take up the matter?