§ 4. Mr. Eadieasked the Minister of Power, in terms of energy produced in Scotland, England and Wales, what are the percentages in these three countries that are produced, publicly owned and privately.
§ Mr. FreesonExcluding oil which is nearly all imported, the public sector is responsible, at least in part, for most of the energy produced in Britain. Complex exchanges of energy between the public and private sectors make it difficult to give percentages in answer to the Question as it is worded. In any case the answers can vary widely according to the system of measurement adopted.
§ Mr. EadieIs it the Minister's intention to encourage more new private enterprise in energy supplies, bearing in mind that the nation has invested millions of pounds to ensure adequate energy capacity?
§ Mr. FreesonIf my hon. Friend is referring to the position with regard to investment in private generating capacity, this is a subject we look at regularly. So far as encouraging investment is concerned; it is our responsibility to ensure sound investment in the public energy industries.