HC Deb 05 July 1960 vol 626 cc218-9
30. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has given further consideration under the capital development programme to assisting the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board in connecting up areas and islands still without electricity; and if he will use the provisions of Section 7 of the Local Employment Act in this regard.

Mr. Maclay

The problem of rural electrification in the Hydro-Board's area is under examination and I am unable to make any statement at present.

Mr. Grimond

Is it not the case that this must have been under examination for some time, because the Hydro-Electric Board is in the position that it has now reached these outlying areas, which are very expensive to connect up, and it really needs the Government's decision as to whether they are going to do it or not? Can the Secretary of State tell us when that decision will be reached?

Mr. Maclay

I cannot forecast how soon there will be a decision or make any announcement. The matter is being examined. It raises great difficulties as the hon. Gentleman knows, but I will press on with it, as usual.

Mr. Fraser

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this problem has been obvious for a very long time, and that from time to time we have been told that Her Majesty's Government have no statutory power to help in this kind of provision, but is not the power in Section 7 of the Local Employment Act and will he say whether that power will be used?

Mr. Maclay

I am not at all satisfied that that power applies, but I will examine it.