§ Mr. CarmichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how the Energy Bill will change the role of the Crown Estate with regard to(a) seabed control, (b) taxation of marine renewables and (c) planning control of marine renewables. [144898]
§ Mr. TimmsThe Energy Bill when enacted will enable The Crown Estate to licence areas of the seabed in the Renewable Energy Zone for the purpose of exploring and exploiting the UK's wind, wave and tidal resources for the production of energy. The Renewable Energy Zone will be established around the UK, adjacent to the territorial sea, in accordance with the provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Any financial consideration which The Crown Estate may charge for the use of the seabed is a matter for that organisation, in accordance with the Crown Estate Act 1961.
Planning control of marine renewables is a matter for Government Departments.