§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his policy regarding the undergrounding of(a) existing electricity transmission lines and (b) proposed new lines. [6680]
§ Mr. Kynoch[holding answer 28 November 1996]My right hon. Friend has regard to his planning guidance and to any representations that may be made with regard to the undergrounding of all or part of existing or proposed electricity transmission lines.
§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to meet ScottishPower to discuss his proposal to require undergrounding of parts of the transmission line to the planned Northern Ireland interconnector; and when he intends to make a final decision on his proposed conditions. [6676]
§ Mr. Kynoch[holding answer 28 November 1996]My right hon. Friend has no plans to meet ScottishPower to discuss the proposed interconnector. He has asked the company to provide him with further information by 20 December. My right hon. Friend will announce a final decision in due course.
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§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the cost of undergrounding those sections of the proposed Northern Ireland interconnector transmission line that he has identified for that purpose. [6677]
§ Mr. Kynoch[holding answer 28 November 1996]None. However, in evidence to the inquiry, ScottishPower plc provided estimated costs for the four sections as follows:
- Water of Girvan: £3.8 million
- Nick of the Balloch: £5.8 million
- Duisk Valley: £10.5 million
- Water of Tig/Dunnach Burn: £7.8 million.