§ Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Energy what representations he has received from the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board about the use of gas for generating electricity in Orkney and Shetland; and what response he has made.
§ Mr. Norman LamontThe North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board receives gas from the Flotta terminal in Orkney for electricity generation. I have received no representations from the board about 485W the use of gas for electricity generation in Orkney or Shetland.
§ Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he has taken to encourage the use of gas for the generation of electricity in Shetland.
§ Mr. Norman LamontMy officials have had discussions with the operators of the pipelines terminating at Sullom Voe about the possible use of gas surplus to the requirements of the terminal when it is fully operational.
The operators have provided British Gas with estimates of the possible surplus quantities of gas and the variability of such surpluses. As one possibility, British Gas is discussing with the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board the use of the gas for electricity generation.