§ Mr. Norman Hoggasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) when he last met the chairman of the North of Scotland Hydro Electricity Board; and what subjects were discussed;
(2) when he last met the chairman of the South of Scotland Electricity Board; and what subjects were discussed.
§ Mr. Allan StewartMy right hon. and learned Friend met the chairmen of the two Scottish electricity boards on 17 March when a range of issues of current interest, including nuclar matters, was discussed.
§ Mr. Norman Hoggasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements exist between the two Scottish electricity boards for determining generation policy; what procedure is used by the boards to consult the Central Electricity Generating Board; and if he will make a statement on co-ordination in relation to these matters between the Scottish Office and the Department of Energy.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThe Scottish electricity boards collaborate closely on the planning of the electricity generating system in Scotland which they operate jointly and the chairman of each board is a member of the other board. The Scottish boards and the Central Electricity Generating Board have regular discussions about matters of common interest through, for example, a planning liaison committee on which the three boards are represented. Responsibility for these arrangements rests with the boards.
My officials and those of the Department of Energy are in regular contact with each other and with the electricity supply industry about these matters.