HC Deb 07 April 1965 vol 710 c469
18. Mr. Russell Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether lie will give an assurance that, in settling the financial target for the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board, he will give consideration to the special and distinctive problems which they face in terms of high initial capital outlay.

Mr. Ross

Yes, Sir. I will take account of all relevant factors.

Mr. Johnston

I thank the Secretary of State for that Answer. May I ask him also to bear in mind that there is some uncertainty about the future of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board and that a lot of people are worried about this? Will he give an assurance that he will not take any action which will undermine its independence?

Mr. Ross

I can assure the hon. Member that there is no dubiety in my mind about its future. It will have a future. There might have been some reason for concern at other times and under other Governments.

Mr. Hector Hughes

As to the special and distinctive problems which are referred to in this Question, will the Secretary of State have special regard to the new and developing industries in the Aberdeen area which need electricity?

Mr. Ross

Not only in the Aberdeen area, but in the whole area covered by the Board.

Wing Commander Sir E. Bullus

Is the Secretary of State aware that his right hon. Friend the Paymaster-General said that he was very interested in Scotland, yet he immediately left the Chamber after answering Questions?

Mr. Speaker

I do not think that this is a special and distinctive problem of the Hydro-Electric Board.