To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-20256 by Ross Finnie on 9 January 2002, whether the study into the costs and feasibility of a heavy duty cable network to take electricity from wind farms and wave energy devices from the Highlands and Islands to English markets will be produced before the end of this financial year.

This study was commissioned by the Department of Trade and Industry, and a draft report outlining the consultants’ findings has now been received by that department. A further announcement is expected from DTI during the next few weeks.