HC Deb 16 June 1953 vol 516 cc725-6
41. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the recent resolution of the Inverness County Council concerning the electrification of Highland railways, which has been sent to him; and whether he will initiate a conference between the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board and the Railway Executive to explore this question.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

The resolution to which my noble Friend refers has not been sent to my right hon. Friend. I understand, however, that the County Council are in touch with the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board and with the Railway Executive.

Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

May I say that I am sure that the resolution will be sent, if it has not been sent already? May I now ask my hon. Friend if he does not think that, if the very excellent suggestion of the Inverness County Council is implemented, it will save the country a great deal of coal and transport costs, and be a very good thing?

Mr. Stewart

I think that, when my right hon. Friend receives the resolution from Inverness, he will probably wish to consult the Minister of Transport on the matter.