HC Deb 01 November 1955 vol 545 cc829-30
26. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what contribution is to be made, respectively, by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board, to the policy of Her Majesty's Government in economising inessential expenditure and reducing capital investment programmes in the nationalised industries.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

This matter is still under discussion with the two boards.

Mr. Nabarro

Yes, Sir, but it is three months ago that I first asked about this matter. Can my hon. Friend assure the House that these Scottish nationalised boards are not going to be sancrosanct in the matter of conforming with the Government's revised economic and financial policy?

Mr. Stewart

I have no doubt that the Scottish boards will play their proper part in this national emergency.

Mr. Nabarro

But how soon can we have a statement?

Mr. Woodburn

Will the hon. Gentleman keep in mind the very important factor that in many areas in Scotland where the Hydro-Electric Board is working there is no alternative employment, and that it is not true economy to stop work there and throw thousands of people on to the unemployment registers?

Mr. Stewart

That is one of the many peculiar considerations that we have to bear in mind.

Mr. Nabarro

How soon can we have a statement?

Mr. Stewart

If the hon. Gentleman cares to put down a Question to me next week or the week after, or even the week after that, I shall be very pleased to answer it.

27. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what economies he has arranged in the promotional advertising expenditure of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board consonant with the policy of Her Majesty's Government in reducing expenditure of an inessential character by nationalised industries, and the reduction of £500,000 per annum in the promotional expenditure of the gas and electricity boards south of the Border.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

For the current financial year the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board are reducing their expenditure on advertising by about 33⅓ per cent.

Mr. Nabarro

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that his reply is totally inadequate, and that there is no alternative source of electricity supply in the area of the North of Scotland Board? Why should a State monopoly—

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Guinness.

Mr. Nabarro

Guinness is not a State monopoly—find it necessary to spend the consumers' money on promotional advertising?

Sir R. Boothby

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Hydro-Electric Board has brought immense benefits to the people of this area, and that, as against Kidderminster, nothing but admiration and gratitude is felt for the expedition and efficiency with which the board has discharged its duties?

Dr. Stross

Will the hon. Gentleman also bear in mind—and perhaps remind his hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) of this—that hydro-electric boards generate electricity without atmospheric pollution, and should therefore be given the highest priority?

Mr. Nabarro

May I have an answer to my supplementary question, Mr. Speaker?

Mr. Speaker

I have not seen any signs of an answer to that, but perhaps the hon. Gentleman may have better luck with Question No. 28.