HC Deb 04 May 1976 vol 910 cc339-40W
Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the reasons for his refusal to issue a directive to the NSHEB and the ECCNS requiring those bodies to transfer their offices to the areas they serve as part of the Government's policy of dispersal of public service jobs.

Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

The location of its registered office is a matter for decision by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board in the exercise of its commercial judgment.

In 1975 the two Scottish Electricity Consultative Councils agreed to set up a joint secretariat, with a staff of seven, in Edinburgh. This arrangement has enabled savings in staff and office services to be achieved, while ensuring that the interests of consumers in both electricity boards' areas are properly served. I see no good reason to suggest that it be changed.