§ 7. Malcolm Bruce (Gordon)If she will make a statement on the impact on Scotland of implementing targets in the Energy White Paper. [101101]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mrs. Anne McGuire)There are both reserved and devolved responsibilities relevant to the delivery of the objectives set out in the White Paper "Our energy future—creating a low carbon economy". The White Paper acknowledges the continuing need for co-operation between the Government and the Scottish Executive to address the energy challenges that we face.
§ Malcolm BruceGiven that Scotland lost out to Denmark on the technology for wind development, what steps is the Minister taking to ensure that Scotland takes the opportunity presented by the White Paper in order to become a world leader in new technology for wave power, wind power and biomass? What is she doing to ensure also that Scotland's economy benefits from the export of renewable energy to the rest of the United Kingdom, and that the host communities have a direct stake in that?
§ Mrs. McGuireI trust that the hon. Gentleman and his party will make their own contribution to the White Paper consultation.
There have been significant developments in wind technology recently. My hon. Friend the Member for Western Isles (Mr. MacDonald) has welcomed a potential new project in his area, and I think that the hon. Member for Argyll and Bute (Mr. Reid) will have welcomed the Vestas project in Campbeltown.