To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made by the Scottish Office working party considering the eight-point action plan produced by Energy Action Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [37341]

The action plan put forward by Energy Action Scotland was carefully considered by the severe weather working party in its review of the issues arising from the events at new year 1996. The working party's report was placed in the Library of the House in June. Several of its recommendations benefited from the action plan. All the recommendations are being pursued.