HC Deb 10 July 1956 vol 556 cc176-7
21. Sir D. Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board is not providing supplies of electricity to meet the demands of ordinary consumers in a number of agricultural areas in Caithness and Sutherland, and that the Board has given the Government's directive to cut capital expenditure on distribution by £300,000 in the current year as its reason for failing in its statutory duty; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

Mr. J. Stuart

I am informed by the Board that already over 90 per cent. of the potential consumers in Caithness and Sutherland have been connected, including 278 in 1956 up to the end of May. The supply of electricity in any particular area is a matter for the Board and must be governed by its financial position as well as by the Government's request to reduce capital expenditure.

Mr. John MacLeod

Is the Secretary of State aware that the Hydro-Electric Board is now asking exorbitant capital charges for taking electricity to these remote areas? Surely that is not a correct interpretation of the 1943 Act.

Mr. Stuart

I would remind my hon. Friend that the Board, by statute, is required to balance its budget. The charges are entirely a matter for the Board.

Sir D. Robertson

Is it not also a fact that one of the statutory obligations of the Board is to bring electric light and power to the ordinary people, including those in the remote areas? Is it not within my right hon. Friend's knowledge that the moment that the credit squeeze occurred all distribution to those areas stopped, and will he take steps to see that the Act of Parliament passed by the House is carried out?

Mr. Stuart

I think that it is very creditable that over 90 per cent. of the potential consumers have been connected.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the Secretary of State aware that there are some complaints that he has not carried out the promise made in the Crofters Act to give, to crofters who are anxious to put in electricity, Government assistance in order to meet the obstacle of capital charges?

Mr. Stuart

I was not aware of that. As I have said, the Board is responsible for balancing its budget and it must, of course, make charges accordingly.