§ Mr. David StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with the British manufacturing industry on ensuring that they are able to provide the turbine manufacturing capability for new wind farm developments in the UK. [179763]
§ Mr. TimmsThe Department is taking a keen interest in developing opportunities for UK companies. This has included a recent request to each of the key European Wind Turbine Manufacturing companies to set up contacts within the Department, to identify inward investment opportunities and to press home the message about the capability of the UK to supply to this growing market. Meetings have also taken place in the UK with Vestas Celtic, PeterBrotherhood and DEWind in relation to developing their supply chains and increasing UK content in projects. A programme of 'meet the wind turbine company buyer' events has been started with successful events so far in Newcastle, Hamburg and Aberdeen. Further events are planned for Manchester, Belfast, Yorkshire and Humberside, East of England and Scotland.