§ 18. Mr. Nabarroasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to support the policy and endeavours of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board to electrify appropriate Highlands railway routes.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartThis is a matter for the British Transport Commission, with whom I understand the Board have had discussions.
§ Mr. NabarroAs the Secretary of State for Scotland is now assuming statutory responsibility for all electricity matters in Scotland, would it not be reasonable for 984 him to support the plea of the Chairman of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board, who so urgently wants to see these Highland railways electrified? Incidentally, so do I.
§ Mr. NabarroMay I have an answer?
§ Mr. StewartThe only answer I can give to my hon. Friend is that the British Transport Commission themselves do not consider that the electrification of these lines would be warranted.
§ Mr. RossOn a point of order. May we be told, Mr. Speaker, how long a supplementary question should be before it is considered too long?
§ Mr. SpeakerHon. Members should be their own judges in this matter. I would ask the House to assist me to get on with the Questions, remembering that there are other hon. Members in the House and that we must not monopolise all the time.