§ Mr. Ancramasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when his Department intends to publish the conclusions of the efficiency audit presently being conducted with reference to certain key areas of the South of Scotland Electricity Board's activities; and what are those key areas.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThe terms of reference for the efficiency audit were announced by the Board on 5 April. The specific areas of the board's operations under examination are:
- (a) management and cost information and control;
- (b) control of the Board's generation system (including power exchange with other Boards);
- (c) fuel purchasing (conventional and nuclear); and
- (d) planning and appraisal of major new investments (including co-operation with other Boards).
Preparation of the report is nearing completion and the findings and recommendations are to be discussed with the Scottish Office together with the board's proposals for implementation of recommended actions. My right hon. Friend will announce the outcome of these discussions in due course.