§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what impact the growth of gas for heating purposes is having on electricity consumption; and what monitoring processes in Scotland exist to survey fluctuations in alternative uses of energy and the likely impact which these might have on electricity generation.
§ Mr. William RossGrowth in the use of gas for heating purposes has contributed to a small decline in electricity's share of the central heating market. Trends in fuel usage are continuously monitored by the Scottish electricity boards and are taken into account in forecasting future electricity demand and requirements of generating capacity.
§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will review 350W estimates of increase in demand for electricity as a result of the economic situation and the reduced ability of domestic consumers to pay for electricity as a result of the policy to restrict wage increases.
§ Mr. William RossThe estimate for 1981–82 which I gave in reply to the hon. Member on 16th June 1975—[Vol. 893, c.356]—took account of expected changes in the relationship between prices and incomes among other relevant factors. The boards' estimates are reviewed annually.