HC Deb 25 March 1952 vol 498 cc189-90
37. Mr. M. MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in which areas of the Outer Hebrides electricity distribution schemes are to be put into operation this year by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

I am informed that work on electricity distribution is proceeding and will continue throughout the year, in the western part of the Island of Lewis and in an area between the west and Stornoway.

Mr. MacMillan

Does this really mean that no schemes are going forward, as suggested by the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro), in any of the outlying islands in the Hebrides?

Mr. Stewart

No, Sir, it does not. I could tell the hon. Member with pleasure, afterwards, what are the precise schemes.

Hon. Members

Tell us now.

Mr. Stewart

The Board have authorised an extension of distribution to the Parish of Lochs south of Stornoway and to Tarbert in Harris, and they intend in due course to distribute electricity throughout North and South Uist, but it will not be possible to proceed with these works during the current year.

The Board have recently obtained authority by a constructional scheme for the erection of a diesel generating station at Daliburgh in South Uist, and it is from this generating station that they intend to distribute electricity through South Uist into Benbecula and North Uist.

Mr. MacMillan

Thank you.