To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his policy towards support for small independent electricity generators who use renewable energy sources; and whether he intends to take any further steps to ensure that electricity distribution companies increase their use of renewable energy.

[holding answer 31 January 1992]: The hon. Member is referring to the parliamentary answer given to the hon. Member for Dumfries (Sir H. Monro) on 15 May 1991 at column 208-9. These arrangements have enabled a number of new small hydro projects to be brought forward for development.Moreover, as I told the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy on 29 January, the Secretary of State is now putting in hand discussions with a view to implementing a Scottish renewables obligation (SRO) requiring Scottish Power and Scottish Hydro-Electric to increase the amount of electricity they purchase from renewable sources. The form and size of the order have yet to be determined, but the intention is to make a series of orders over a period of years. Any SRO will have clearly defined objectives which will take fully into account the Scottish context within which it will operate.