§ 22. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what grounds, and with what financial effect, the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board's two small generating schemes in the islands of Lewis and Harris have been selected for indefinite postponement, in view of the possibilities of greater economies, with less public hardship, among the Board's other activities.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartThese two schemes, on which work had not begun but on which the Board expected to spend £100,000 in 1956, have been postponed (along with others) to reduce capital expenditure. There will be no immediate effect on electricity supplies in Lewis and Harris, which will continue to be supplied by diesel plant; and the position will be reviewed at the end of this year.
§ Mr. MacMillanWhy was it necessary to cut out the two small schemes in this area when two new schemes are being started in Roxburgh and the other places just mentioned in the previous Question? The local diesel supply is much more expensive. Why has that contradiction in the activities of the Board been allowed? Secondly, is the Joint Under-Secretary aware that diesel supplies have to be brought for forty or sixty miles from Stornoway? Does he regard that as economical?
§ Mr. StewartThe hon. Gentleman is quite right; a diesel supply is more expensive. It is the intention of the Board to supply hydro-electric power, but there had to be some postponement in order to meet the wishes of the Government to curtail capital expenditure. The Roxburgh scheme is quite different, and is a distribution measure.
Sir G. LloydIs the Joint Under-Secretary aware that a few hon. Members and many people in Scotland would not disagree with the last sentence of the hon. Gentleman's Question, namely, that there is a very considerably greater scope for economy by the Board than it has at present exercised?
§ Mr. NabarroHear, hear. Just what I have been saying for years.