Oral Answers to Questions

Brendan O'Hara Excerpts

Tuesday 12th December 2017 Commons Chamber

[Greg Clark]

I do not agree with the hon. Lady, and if she reads the industrial strategy she will see that the biggest increase in science and innovation investment for 40 years has been triggered by this. It is the right way to go, and it has been welcomed by all parties across the country. It would be helpful if the hon. Lady recognised that many other countries have benefited from a strong national commitment to improving investment in productivity, such as through science and innovation, and that gives confidence to overseas investors.

[Brendan O’Hara (Argyll and Bute) (SNP)]

4. What steps he is taking to support the development of renewable energy sources in Scotland.

[Hannah Bardell (Livingston) (SNP)]

18. What steps he is taking to support the development of renewable energy sources in Scotland.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Richard Harrington)]

Over a third of projects supported by contracts for difference are located in Scotland. In October, we announced plans to allow wind projects on the remote islands of Scotland to compete for support in the next auction. We have submitted a notification of our plans to the European Commission.

[Brendan O’Hara]

My constituency has much going for it, including an abundance of wind and water, making it an ideal place for all kinds of renewable energy projects. What will the Government do to provide revenue support to renewable energy companies during the innovation period while they work to bring down costs?

[Richard Harrington]

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman has read the industrial strategy avidly; if he has not, I warmly recommend that he does so, as it covers these matters extensively.