§ Mr. Millanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the increasing unemployment which has arisen in the North of Scotland because of the delays in approving hydro-electric schemes; and what steps he is taking to have approval given to schemes at Nevis and elsewhere already published by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board.
§ Mr. NobleI appreciate that the volume of construction work on hydroelectric schemes has fallen, but consultations about future schemes are being pressed forward urgently. The statutory procedure in relation to the four schemes already published has yet to be completed, and I must also be assured that the part they can play in meeting Scotland's increasing electricity needs is such as to justify the relatively heavy demand they make on capital resources.
§ Mr. Smallasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many proposals from the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric 168W Board for the building of generating stations have ben received by him and are awaiting authorisation.