§ Mr. Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, when he last met the chairmen of the Scottish electricity boards, price increases were discussed.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThe meetings which the Secretary of State and his colleagues have with the chairmen of the Scottish electricity boards cover a range of matters, including the financial framework within which the boards operate.
At the Secretary of State's most recent meeting with the chairman of the South of Scotland Electricity Board which took place last month tariff increases were not discussed. 661W I met the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board last month when, among other matters, the board's views on tariff increases for 1984–85 were outlined to me by the chairman.
§ Mr. Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultations have taken place with the chairmen of the Scottish electricity boards in relation to the electricity price increases; and what requests relative to price increases for 1984 have been issued to the boards.
§ Mr. Allan StewartI am aware of the general basis on which the Scottish electricity boards are consulting their respective electricity consultative councils about tariff increases for 1984–85. My right hon. Friend has issued no directions or requests to the boards to make price increases for 1984–85.
§ Mr. Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the 1984 electricity price review as it relates to electricity supplies in Scotland.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThe determination of tariffs and of any increases required is entirely a matter for the Scottish electricity boards. They do not require the Secretary of State's approval and he has issued no instructions about the level of tariffs in 1984–85. The boards are at present consulting their respective electricity consultative councils about tariff increases for 1984–85 and I understand that both boards expect to take final decisions in the light of those consultations before the end of this month.