HC Deb 20 February 1963 vol 672 cc420-2
7. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now make a statement on the Mackenzie Report, with particular reference to the Glen Nevis scheme and the supply of electricity to the unserved islands.

22. Mr. Millan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will announce Her Majesty's Government's decisions on the recommendations of the Mackenzie Committee on electricity generation in Scotland.

24. Mr. John MacLeod

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action the Government intend to take on the recommendations of the Mackenzie Report on electricity generation in Scotland.

Mr. Leburn

The very important issues raised by this Report are still under consideration.

Mr. MacMillan

Is the Minister aware that the Glen Nevis scheme is regarded as vital to the whole future development of hydro-electricity in Scotland and that the Government have been art unconscionable time in coming to any sort of decision about its future? Can the hon. Gentleman give any indication about how soon he will give a statement to the House? Since he did not answer the second part of my Question, may I ask him to appreciate that while my constituents do not wish in any way to reduce the influence or autonomy of the Hydro-Electric Board, their first concern must be for the provision of electricity which is necessary in areas in the islands where no possible development can take place until there is a supply of electricity?

Mr. Leburn

The Board is reviewing its future programme. Consultations are taking place, including consideration of the Glen Nevis scheme. Regarding the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, the Committee emphasised that its recommendations should be considered as a whole and that is what is being done.

Mr. Millan

Is the Minister aware that many of the recommendations are extremely important and that there is a degree of urgency about many, such as those mentioned by my hon. Friend the Member for The Western Isles (Mr. Malcolm MacMillan)? Regarding the proposed merger, is he aware that from the Report it is very difficult to find any evidence that this merger should take place? Am I right in thinking, for example—it seems now to be widely believed—that not only the North of Scotland Board but also the South of Scotland Board gave evidence to the Committee against this merger?

Mr. Leburn

I am fully aware of the need for an urgent decision on this matter. But I think the hon. Gentleman knows that here we are dealing with a very complicated and difficult problem. I am also aware of the strong feeling in various quarters about this, and my right hon. Friend will certainly take that into consideration.

Mr. John MacLeod

Is my hon. Friend aware that the authorities in the north of Scotland have opposed any merger by the two Boards and that I hope that he has also come to that opinion?

Mr. Leburn

As I have said, I am well aware of the strong feelings which exist, and I have given an undertaking that my right hon. Friend will take them fully into account.

Mr. MacMillan

Is the Minister aware that there is nothing whatever in the Report regarding the Glen Nevis scheme or the question of a merger which prevents him in any way from sanctioning and assisting with finance the island schemes recommended by the Committee? Why not give a decision on that?

Mr. Leburn

I think that the hon. Gentleman has got it wrong. There is no doubt that the Committee emphasised that its recommendations should be considered as a whole.