Torness Power Station

HC Deb 20 April 1988 vol 131 cc475-6W

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his latest estimate of the rate of return to be obtained by the South of Scotland electricity board and the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board currently and after completion of the Torness power station.

Mr. Lang

In 1986–87, the latest year for which figures were available, the current cost rate of return on net assets employed achieved jointly by the Scottish electricity boards was 2.8 per cent. The agreed financial target for 1987–88 is 2.7 per cent, and for 1988–89 is 2.8 per cent. The rate of return for the period beyond 1988–89 is still to be discussed.

Torness power station is expected to start supplying the grid in the course of this year and should be fully commissioned by the early 1990s.