§ 18. Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to make a statement on the results of the feasibility studies into the use of combined heat and power for district heating.
§ Mr. John MooreI shall make a statement when the Government have fully considered the consultants' report and the comments of interested parties.
§ Mr. RostDoes my hon. Friend accept that in that statement the Government should give guidance on how district heating should be organised and financed, and especially on the role that the Government believe should be played by the electricity supply industry, local authorities and private industry?
§ Mr. MooreI know of my hon. Friend's long history of support in this area. He will remember our detailed debate in Committee on the Energy Bill, when the nature and role of the electricity supply industry and the local authorities were debated. I am sure that he will wish to consider the matter further when we consider the report to the House.
§ Mr. Home RobertsonAs Edinburgh is the strongest candidate to be a lead city for a combined heat and power scheme, will the Minister assure the House that he will consult the Secretary of State for Scotland before reaching a final decision?
§ Mr. MooreThe hon. Gentleman mentioned in Committee the rule and interest of Edinburgh in the scheme. Nine cities were studied for the report. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland is always involved in matters concerning Scotland.