§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will initiate a study of the causeway/barrage proposal put forward by Mr. Peter Findlay, as an alternative to the proposed Skye bridge.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonBoth the Scottish Office and the Department of Energy are already aware of Mr. Findlay's proposals. Decisions on investment in additional electricity generating capacity are for the industry to take in the light of its own assessment of present and future needs, having regard to the quantity and diversity of plant already on the system as well as the economic viability of potential new developments. I will not therefore be initiating a study into any possible alternative to the bridge. The plans for the construction of the Skye bridge will not be delayed or put in abeyance as a consequence of Mr. Findlay's proposals.