HC Deb 25 July 1961 vol 645 cc215-6
43. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to receive a report from the Committee on the future of hydro-electric schemes in Scotland; and whether all further developments are to be held up until its conclusions are reached or whether there will be an interim report where schemes are now held up.

Mr. Maclay

I regret that it is not possible at present to say when the Committee's report is likely to be available. I am, however, considering with the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board how its generation requirements over the next few years can best be met.

Mr. Woodburn

May we at least have a guarantee that this further development will not be held up until the Committee reports, which I understand is not likely to be this year?

Mr. Maclay

The Committee, for very good reasons, is taking longer to report than I had hoped, but I am considering very carefully with the Hydro-Electric Board its programme for electricity generation.