§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on energy policy in Scotland. [155909]
§ Mrs. McGuireThe February 2003 Energy White Paper "Towards a Low Carbon Economy" defines the Government's overall strategy for energy policy. Its four core objectives—cutting carbon emissions, maintaining reliability of energy supplies, promoting competitive markets to promote productivity and sustainable growth, ensuring every home is adequately and affordably heated—apply and will deliver benefits in Scotland as elsewhere. I take part in the work of the sustainable energy policy network in following through on the White Paper commitments. Scottish Executive Ministers are closely associated with this work.
Core aspects of energy policy and related issues of competition and regulation are reserved. Devolved policy responsibilities in Scotland include promotion of renewables and of energy efficiency. Co-operation in devolved policy areas including planning, environmental protection, encouraging economic development and a skilled work force is crucial to the success of energy policy in Scotland. Good working relations at all levels between the Scottish Executive and UK Government Departments are therefore especially important.