HC Deb 28 February 1956 vol 549 c101W
69. Major Anstruther-Gray

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent the programme of rural electrification in southern Scotland will be affected by restriction on capital expenditure.

75 and 77. Captain Duncan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) to make a statement on the restrictions on rural electrification in Scotland this year, in view of the importance of electricity to farming;

(2) to give a general direction to the electricity boards in Scotland to continue to give priority to farms in the distribution of electricity.

Mr. J. Stuart

The South of Scotland Electricity Board hopes to connect 900 farms and the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board 1,600 farms and 900 crofts in 1956. The corresponding figures for 1955 were 1,023, 1,896 and 1,099. Both Boards are fully alive to the importance of electricity to farming, and I see no reason to issue any general directions.