§ 9. Mr. MacCormickasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will pay an official visit to the Isle of Colonsay.
§ The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Mr. Bruce Millan)My right hon. Friend has no present plans for a visit.
§ Mr. MacCormickDoes the Minister appreciate that this unfortunate news will come as a hammer blow to the hopes and aspirations of the islanders of Colonsay? Will he advise his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to don the mantle of his illustrious predecessor, Mr. Tom Johnston, and ask the hydro-electric 443 board to provide a mains electricity service for the people who live on the Isle of Colonsay?
§ Mr. MillanThis is a long-standing problem. The hon. Gentleman will know that the hydro-electric board supplies electricity to about 98 per cent. of the consumers in the area. We are now considering some difficult and expensive cases. The priorities are basically for the hydro-electric board, and so far it has not taken the view that it can provide electricity to this island. I understand that the Highlands and Islands Development Board has a proposal before it for assistance with the supplies of electricity to a more limited number of houses on the island.