HC Deb 14 November 1962 vol 667 cc363-4
20. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has studied the recommendation made in the Report of the Committee on the Generation and Distribution of Electricity in Scotland, Command Paper No. 1859, that one electricity board for the whole of Scotland should be established to replace the two existing boards for the north and south of Scotland, respectively; and if he will make a statement indicating his plans arising from this in relation to trade, industry, commerce and employment in the north of Scotland.

25. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the policy of the Government in the light of the recommendations of the Mackenzie Committee on Scottish electricity development.

Mr. Leburn

I cannot at present add to the reply my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for the Western Isles (Mr. Malcolm MacMillan) on 7th November.

Mr. Hughes

Is it the Government's intention to implement the Mackenzie Report and, in the event of its being implemented, can the hon. Gentleman give a guarantee that the North of Scotland, and particularly the North-East, will not be further deprived of trade, industry, commerce and employment, and that the Government will not continue the damaging and horrible work begun by the clearances years ago?

Mr. Leburn

I am fully alive to the need for an early decision being taken by the Government, but I must also bear in mind the need for careful examination of the issues involved.

Mr. Thomson

In coming to a decision on the question of merger, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there is considerable concern and suspicion about this proposal not only in the Highlands but even in a lowlands city like Dundee——

Mr. Hughes

And Aberdeen.

Mr. Thomson

—which has been well served by the board? In the meantime, will he allow the Hydro-Electric Board to get ahead with its developments without delay, for, whatever the Committee may recommend, there is clearly ample scope for further hydro-electric development in Scotland?

Mr. Leburn

With regard to the second part of the supplementary question, at this stage that is a matter for the Board but we shall take into account all the factors and the matters arising from the Report.