HC Deb 24 January 1956 vol 548 cc9-11
13. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now state the extent and amount of the proposed reduction of capital expenditure during 1956, respectively, by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board following the Government policy announced in July, 1955, for elimination of inessential nationalised industry expenditure; and what are the revised capital expenditure figures authorised respectively for the two Boards for the year 1956.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Both Boards have offered, in response to the Government's request, to make cuts in the expenditure they would otherwise have incurred in 1956 on distribution and miscellaneous items, but I am not at present in a position to give details.

Mr. Nabarro

Is my hon. Friend aware that private enterprise interests are being squeezed like an orange until the pips squeak? Can he give the House an assurance that the amount and extent of reduction of inessential expenditure by both these Scottish Boards will be commensurate with the reduction among private enterprise interests?

Mr. Stewart

All I can tell my hon. Friend is that we are in close consultation with both Boards with the object of securing proper economies wherever possible.

Mr. Woodburn

Would the hon. Gentleman explain to the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) that it would be the height of folly to prevent the country from securing the maximum assistance from the electricity Boards at the earliest possible moment? Will he explain that anything that will prevent progress in supplying the manpower of the country with the maximum of power is the height of folly from the national point of view?

Mr. Nabarro

Would my hon. Friend bear in mind that this Question relates to inessential expenditure and that the provision of electrical power is essential expenditure?

14. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what total sum had been expended by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board up to 31st December, 1955, against the statutory limit of borrowing powers of £200 million; and what further sum is committed for expenditure during 1956.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

At 31st December, 1955, the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board had spent £121 million on capital account. Of its further commitments it expects to incur capital expenditure of about £18 million in 1956, but the precise amount has still to be settled.

Mr. Nabarro

Yes, but when may we have a detailed statement with regard to this continuing high rate of expenditure? Is my hon. Friend aware that I have been asking Parliamentary Questions since last July about this matter? Why is he treating his own supporters—[HON. MEMBERS: "Where are they?"]—with the derision that should be reserved for the Opposition?

Mr. Stewart

I recollect many Questions from my hon. Friend, but I thought that we had replied with generosity to them.