§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will investigate the tendering procedure undertaken by the South of Scotland Electricity Board for the transport of coal from Knockshinnoch to Longannet; if he will instruct the board to retender if there has been any failure to follow prescribed tendering procedures or if the contract has not been awarded to the lowest suitable tenderer; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThe Secretary of State does not prescribe tendering procedures since that is a matter for the board. I am advised that the board's formally approved procedures, which are also subject to independent audit, were complied with in this case.