Oral Answers to Questions — Scotland – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 12 Rhagfyr 1973.
Sir John Gilmour
, Fife East
12:00,
12 Rhagfyr 1973
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent investigations he has made into the possibility of generating electricity in Scotland from either tidal or wind power; and if he will make a statement.
Mr Gordon Campbell
, Moray and Nairnshire
While every possible source which might contribute significantly to supplies of energy should clearly be examined, recent reviews suggest that these particular methods of electricity generation are not at present a practical proposition for public electricity supply. The Scottish electricity boards concur.
Sir John Gilmour
, Fife East
May I ask my right hon. Friend how recently these investigations have been made? The increase in price of energy generated from coal and oil is such that I believe that we should be well advised to reconsider alternative ways of generating power.
Mr Gordon Campbell
, Moray and Nairnshire
I agree that these researches have been taking place in recent years and not in recent months. The situation that we face at the moment is such that any possible new source of energy should be examined.
Mr David Steel
, Roxburghshire, Selkirkshire and Peeblesshire
What assessment has been made of the further potential of hydro-electricity?
Mr Gordon Campbell
, Moray and Nairnshire
That is another matter which has been examined and which will be examined again if it seems practicable.
Mr Tam Dalyell
, West Lothian
Will the Secretary of State confirm that both wind power and a barrage are more practicable than the Liberal proposal of a Channel dam?
Mr Gordon Campbell
, Moray and Nairnshire
I noted the speech by a Liberal Member——
Mr Tam Dalyell
, West Lothian
The Liberal spokesman.
Mr Gordon Campbell
, Moray and Nairnshire
—which I understand could have resulted in disastrous flooding of not only this country but others as well. The difficulties which have been met in considering barrages also involve serious questions of flooding and drainage.
Mr Selwyn Lloyd
, Wirral
Mr. Gourlay.
Sir John Gilmour
, Fife East
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of my right hon. Friend's replies, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at an early opportunity.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
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