§ 7. Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that there is a danger of the Scottish Hydro-Electric Board losing valuable staff because of the delay in approving new schemes; and whether he will urge the expedition of the inquiries upon which his further decision depends.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. R. Brooman-White)My right hon. Friend realises the importance of reaching an early decision on the question of further hydro-electric development. He is, however, satisfied that the Mackenzie Committee is pursuing its inquiries with all possible speed. Meantime, the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board is proceeding with preliminary work on further schemes and, as he said in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Perth and East Perthshire (Mr. MacArthur) on 23rd October last, he has agreed that these schemes can be brought to the stage of publication.
§ Mr. WoodburnDoes that Answer mean that hydro-electric work in the North of Scotland is to proceed? Is so, why is this Committee taking so long to report and why are schemes being held up until it reports? Is the Under-Secretary of State aware that many people consider that this is a device for holding up the work on the hydroelectric schemes or for producing a report which will enable the Secretary of State to stop the work of the Hydro-Electric Board? Can the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that that work will go ahead?
§ Mr. Brooman-WhiteI cannot accept the implications in the last part of the right hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. He will be aware that the remit of the Mackenzie Committee covers very complicated issues and involves a very broad series of inquiries. It has not yet received all the evidence, 179 but it is fully aware of the necessity to make a recommendation at the earliest possible moment.
§ Mr. John MacLeodWill not approval be given to new schemes until the Mackenzie Report has been published?
§ Mr. Brooman-WhiteIf my hon. Friend looks at my reply, he will see that new schemes can be brought to the stage of publication during this interim period.