§ Mr. SpellerTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what capacity of hydro-electric power is installed at present in Scotland; and what are his plans to encourage further generation by this means.
§ Mr. Lang[holding answer 12 November 1990]: I understand that the total existing conventional hydro-electric installed capacity in Scotland is at present, 1,270 megawatts, of which Scottish Hydro-Electric owns and operates 1,064 megawatts and ScottishPower 121 megawatts, the balance being owned and operated independently. These figures do not include the pumped storage stations at Foyers and Cruachan.
Hydro-electric power already supplies around 15 per cent. of electricity consumed in Scotland and, given the surplus generating capacity existing on the system, my right hon. and learned Friend has no specific plans at present to encourage further generation by hydro-electric power. However, the electricity companies keep their generation needs under constant review and I would expect them to continue to consider the respective merits of all sources of electricity generation and supply, including from possible hydro developments, in assessing the most efficient and economical means of meeting the needs of customers in the future.
§ Mr. SpellerTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what range of prices is being offered to private hydro-electricity generators in Scotland.
§ Mr. Lang[holding answer 12 November 1990]: The level of payments by the public electricity suppliers in Scotland to private hydro-electricity generators is a matter for the companies.