asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will mike a statement concerning those hydroelectric schemes proposed by the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board which have been postponed.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further proposals for hydro-electric schemes in the Highlands he will authorise in 1965–66; and what will be the total cost.

I have nothing to add at present to my replies of 10th and 11th November to the hon. Member for Ross and Cromarty (Mr. Alasdair Mackenzie) and my hon. Friend the Member for the Western Isles (Mr. Malcolm MacMillan). The estimated total value of schemes at present under consideration is about £14½ million.

Is the Secretary of State aware that his Answer will cause some concern? Is he not further aware that the attitude which his party expressed in the election and before it was quite clear? Can he assure us that this attitude is not changing and that the Government are determined to press ahead with hydro-electric schemes at the earliest possible moment?

I can assure the hon. Member that my attitude has not changed. But we have had a very long delay with these schemes. I hope that the hon. Member does not blame me for that. Conditions have changed within the last four years. At the moment I have before me a very long, complex and technical report. It deserves proper and adequate study, and certainly not a hasty judgment.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say that the excellent progress made with the very large scheme at Ben Cruachan is continuing? Can he give us an assurance that this programme will not be delayed by the financial difficulties of the present Government?

I can give the hon. Gentleman that assurance. The scheme is progressing well. It will be of considerable benefit to consumers not only in the Highland area but throughout Scotland.

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that if he were making a statement it would show conclusively that, because of postponement and delay by the former Government of proposed schemes for the Highlands, the cost now will be considerably greater than it would have been if earlier consideration had been given?

I do not think there is any doubt about it. If this scheme had been proceeded with four years ago, it would have been very much cheaper than the capital cost today.

When considering this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman remember that there is not only a need for electricity in the Highlands but also a need for jobs? Is he aware that if he allows the schemes to go ahead it will help to solve the problem caused by the depopulation of the Highlands?

The House will see what I have to try to sort out—the advice I get from the father and the advice I get from the son.