HC Deb 24 June 1941 vol 372 cc943-4
31. Mr. Neil Maclean

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many industries have been started in the district served by the Galloway hydro-electric scheme; and how many are supplied with electric power from that scheme?

Mr. Lyttelton

I have not complete information on this subject, but I understand that three industries using electric power have been established in the district referred to.

Mr. Maclean

Will the Minister answer the latter part of my Question?

Mr. Lyttelton

I am afraid I have not that information.

Mr. Maclean

Will the Minister get that information as speedily as possible?

Mr. Lyttelton

I will attempt to do so. I would point out, however, that the scheme sends all its supplies to the Central Electricity Board under the grid system and does not supply retail power. Therefore I think the Question is unanswerable.

Mr. Maclean

Is it not the case that it supplies factories, not retail firms, but production factories?

Mr. Lyttelton

I was trying to point out that the scheme sends its supplies to the Central Electricity Board and does not retail power.

Mr. J. J. Davidson

How many people are employed in the three industries in Inverness?

Mr. Lyttelton

I could not answer that Question without notice.

39. Mr. Maclean

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport the rate charged by the Galloway hydroelectric undertaking for electricity supplied as power to industries served in that district and the rate charged for lighting purposes to shops and houses; and how the Galloway rate compares with the electricity rates charged to power and household consumers by the corporations of Glsagow and Newcastle-on-Tyne?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport (Colonel Llewellin)

The whole of the output of the Galloway hydro-electric undertaking is sold to the Central Electricity Board for the purposes of the National Grid System, and no retail supplies to power or other consumers are provided by the Galloway Company.

Mr. Maclean

What are the rates charged by the central supply?

Colonel Llewellin

The Question refers to the Galloway Company, and all the electricity it. produces is sold to the National Grid. They do not retail at all.

Mr. Maclean

At what price is it sold to the national system?

Colonel Llewellin

I do not know that. I understood the hon. Member to refer to the price to the general consumer. I will look into the other point.

Mr. Maclean

Who renders accounts to the consumers in the district? Is it the Central Electricity Board or the Galloway Company?

Colonel Llewellin

I must have notice of that Question.