To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Scottish Executive, (b) Ofgem and (c) the National Grid company regarding undersea connector cables linking Orkney and Shetland to the National Grid; and when he anticipates these connections being in place. (86410)

None.

The provision of a cable connection to the Orkneys and the Shetland Islands is a matter for the transmission licensee for the relevant area—in this case Scottish and Southern (SHETL). It is the responsibility of Ofgem to ensure that any expenditure incurred in constructing the cable is economically and efficiently incurred.

Officials from this Department have held discussions with the Scottish Executive and Ofgem on the most appropriate way of facilitating those connections.