HC Deb 05 February 1957 vol 564 cc219-21
14. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will state, megawatts installed, the new electrical capacity installed in Scotland during the year 1956; what part of this capacity was at thermal stations and what part hydro-stations; and the average cost £ megawatts installed, respectively, for thermal and hydro-stations.

Mr. N. Macpherson

The capacity of new electrical plant installed in Scotland during 1956 was 255.9 megawatts. Of this, 101.5 megawatts was installed at hydro-electric stations at an average cost of £175,000 per megawatt, and 154.4 megawatts at thermal stations at an average cost of £59,830 per magawatt.

Mr. Nabarro

How much coal would be saved per annum by these hydroelectric installations?

Mr. Macpherson

I would ask my hon. Friend to put that Question down.

15. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will state the sum expended, in millions of £s, by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board for new capital works completed during 1956; and what sum was authorised by him, again expressed in millions of £s, in respect of new constructional works and appurtances thereto, forming the subject of Statutory Instruments.

Mr. N. Macpherson

I am informed by the Board that £17.8 million has been expended on generating stations and related capital works which came into full operation during 1956. During the year constructional scheme No. 23C (Moriston Project (Further Amendments)) was confirmed. The cost to the Board of the works authorised by this scheme, which is at present before the House, is £267,500.

Mr. Nabarro

Does the fact that more than £17 million was actually expended in 1956 on new projects and that practically nothing of a new character was authorised by the Secretary of State for Scotland in that year denote a change in policy in regard to hydro-electric development?

Mr. Macpherson

No, Sir.

Mr. Nabarro

When will further authorisations be made?

Mr. Macpherson

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that Question down, too.

Mr. G. M. Thomson

Is the Minister aware that, in regard to Scottish electricity, we consider the hon. Member for Kidderminster (Mr. Nabarro) to be one of the "appurtances thereto" that Scotland could well do without?