HC Deb 23 May 1979 vol 967 cc1032-3
8. Mr. John MacKay

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he plans to alter the present legislation to make the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board responsible for providing electricity to the Island of Colonsay.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

No, Sir. The present legislation has stood the test of time, and the board's policies under it have, in my view, fairly balanced the interest of its general body of consumers and that of potential customers in the remoter areas.

Coming new to the Colonsay problem, however, I have asked that a further examination should be made, in consultation with the hydro-electric board and the Highlands and Islands Development Board, of the scope for some reduction in the cost of electricity to the islanders.

Mr. MacKay

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. I urge him to expedite the matter, as my constituents on Colon-say pay 14p a unit for electricity and will probably pay 17p a unit by the end of the summer. Will he please get a move on so that they are able to see a future for their electricity supply?

Mr. Fletcher

I shall ask both of the boards concerned to act as quickly as possible.

Mr. Grimond

I welcome the Minister's indication that he will ask the Highlands and Islands Development Board to intervene. However, is he aware that there is an exactly parallel situation in North Ronaldsay, and that the two islands have been in consultation with each other and with the Highlands and Islands Development Board? What is needed apart from co-ordination is for the Government to lay their hands on some funds to make it possible to generate electricity locally.

Mr. Fletcher

I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman is aware that both of the boards involved do their best in these remote areas. I am sure that he is also aware that there is not exactly a legacy of a great deal of available funds for the Government to use for these or any other purposes.

Mr. Dewar

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the island of Colonsay is owned by Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal, one of his ministerial colleagues? Will he consider whether it is possible to galvanise or electrify the noble Lord into some entrepreneurial activity in the interests of his long-suffering tenants? Will he conduct conversations with the noble Lord on this subject and report progress to the House?

Mr. Fletcher

I am happy to say that my noble Friend in previous years made a significant contribution to the electricity supplies in the islands.