asked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) whether it is the policy of the Government to urge the South of Scotland Electricity Board to press ahead with the installation of further nuclear capacity or an increased coal burn in its power station programme;(2) whether it is still Government policy to press for a nuclear power station at Torness.

I have been asked to reply.I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Inverness (Mr. Johnston) on 25th October—[Vol. 918, c. 99]. Negotiations between the National Coal Board and the South of Scotland Electricity Board on the future level of coal burn in the board's power stations are at present in progress.