§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will seek to make money available to the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board to enable it, in cases of severe hardship, to increase the Board's connection contribution above £200.
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§ Mr. RossAssistance towards the cost of connection to an electricity supply is already available under the Crofters (Scotland) Act, 1955 and the Farm Improvement Scheme. Local authorities may make improvement grants under the Housing (Scotland) Acts. It is also open to any consumer to make representations to the Electricity Consultative Council if he feels aggrieved about the charges.
§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what would be the approximate cost to the Exchequer of completing electricity connections to all possible premises within the area of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board.
§ Mr. RossI understand from the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board that to connect all but the most remote properties in its area to an electricity supply would probably cost some £7 million to £8 million. Of this, 80 to 90 per cent. would have to be met by the Board, either from its internal resources or by borrowing from the Exchequer. The balance would be met by the consumers, some of whom might qualify for grant under one of the assistance schemes available.