Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Simon Hart and Charles Hendry
Simon Hart (Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire) (Con)
16. What his policy is on onshore wind energy.
The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Charles Hendry)
Onshore wind energy is one of the most cost-effective renewable energy sources. The Government are committed to the growth of well-sited onshore wind in the UK as part of a diverse energy mix, but we will put greater emphasis on ensuring that investment goes where the resource is strongest and bringing more direct benefits to communities that host wind farms.
Simon Hart
The Localism Bill will allow communities in England to take a far greater part in the planning process. What assurance can the Minister give those of us in west Wales that the same opportunities will be open to us?
Charles Hendry
As my hon. Friend will be aware, that is a matter for the Welsh Assembly Government. I hope that they will look carefully at the detail of the Localism Bill to see our determination to bring real benefit to communities through the planning changes in England, and I hope that they will decide which of the measures in the Bill might be appropriate to bring similar benefits to people in Wales.