HC Deb 08 November 1955 vol 545 cc1630-1
8. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now make a statement in regard to the revised capital expenditure programme of the Scottish electrical boards and the elimination of inessential projects to conform with the revised financial and economic policy of Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. J. Stuart

I have nothing at present to add to the answer given to my hon. Friend on 1st November.

Mr. Nabarro

Is my right hon. Friend aware that last week it was a 14 weeks' delay and this week it is a 15 weeks' delay? May we have an assurance from my right hon. Friend that serious regard is being had by these Scottish boards to the statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 25th July last?

Mr. Stuart

I assure my hon. Friend that the statement is receiving very serious consideration. For that reason, perhaps, it has taken a little longer to reach a conclusion because, to use an old term, we are exploring every avenue.

15. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what sum of money per annum is represented by the 33⅓ per cent. reduction in promotional advertising expenditure by the South of Scotland and North of Scotland Hydro-Electricity Boards; when such reduction is to become effective; what is the annual amount of the remaining promotional advertising expenditure that will be permitted by the Secretary of State in respect of promotional advertising for, respectively, the South of Scotland and the North of Scotland Hydro-Electricity Boards; and the total per annum so remaining.

Mr. J. Stuart

The expenditure by the South of Scotland Electricity Board and the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board on promotional advertising will be reduced by £11,000 and £3,900 per annum, respectively. In relation to Press advertising the reductions will take place immediately, and in relation to other forms of advertising as contracts expire. The expenditure remaining will be £23,000 in the south and £4,100 in the north.

Mr. Nabarro

But why should a State monopoly find it necessary to waste the consumers' money in promotional advertising? Could not these funds be better devoted to the primary purposes of the Boards, namely, the generation, the distribution and the sale of electricity?

Mr. Stuart

I should have thought that my hon. Friend, who is a business man, would realise that advertising is supposed to produce beneficial effects for industry.