§ 6 and 7. Mr. Palmerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if the views of the Chairman and members of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board have been sought in connection with the examination of the supply of electricity in Scotland, promised in the Queen's Speech;
(2) if he will give an assurance that in the examination of the supply of electricity in Scotland, promised in the Queen's Speech, consultations will be held with the trade unions representing all grades of employees in the electricity supply industry.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartMy right hon. Friend and his right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power are aware of the views which the Chairman of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board has expressed on this subject; and they hope to have consultations in the near future with representatives of that body and of the other electricity authorities concerned. My right hon. Friends will also be very ready to consider any views which representatives of those employed in the industry may wish to put before them.
§ Mr. PalmerWould the hon. Gentleman agree that Mr. Thomas Johnston is not at all happy about the implications of this scheme?
§ Mr. StewartI have difficulty in accepting that. I would repeat the assurance given by my right hon. Friend, which is I think a complete assurance, on 18th November, when he said:
I do not contemplate that any change in the present organisation of the electricity industry in Scotland would impair the special responsibilities for the Highlands and Islands placed on the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board by the Hydro-Electric Development (Scotland) Act, 1943."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 18th November, 1952; Vol. 507, c. 1576.]