HC Deb 18 July 2003 vol 409 cc708-9W
Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what briefing was provided by her Department's Press Office to the media in advance of her announcement on 14 July on the expansion of offshore wind capacity. [126319]

Ms Hewitt

Invitations to a press briefing were issued to media representatives in advance of the announcement on the expansion of offshore wind capacity on 14 July. No other briefing material was released in advance of the announcement.

Mr. Carmichael

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether wind farms built on unpopulated islands and islands with populations of less than 1,000 people are entitled to support under the offshore wind capital grants programme. [126779]

Mr. Timms

Wind farms built on islands would not be entitled to support under the offshore wind capital grants programme, as such wind farms are considered onshore rather than offshore.

Onshore wind farms are not eligible for capital grants, since onshore wind is close to becoming commercially competitive. However, onshore wind farms (wherever situated) would be eligible for support under the Renewables Obligations.