Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 26 October 2016
26 Oct 2016 · S5 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Campbeltown Airport (Spaceport Bid)
That was a good attempt; I have to give marks out of 10 for effort. I accept the first part of what John Scott said and I will come on to the other aspect of it later. It is important that the market has a determining factor, but there might be different roles for spaceports and perhaps the solution that is needed is not one size fits all.
Space operations will be possible from multiple sites across the UK and we would be keen for that to happen in Scotland. An open licensing regime would mean that any Scottish site could proceed with its ambition to become a spaceport. That is significant, given that there are a range of space flight operators.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Christine Grahame)
SNP
The final item of business is a members’ business debate on motion S5M-01615, in the name of David Stewart, on support for Campbeltown airport as spaceport. ...
David Stewart (Highlands and Islands) (Lab)
Lab
Thank you for that vote of confidence, Presiding Officer. I am delighted to speak. On 9 July 1962, a Thor-Delta rocket was launched from Cape Canaveral. On ...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Some people think that there are individuals in here who are already tethered to the moon. 17:14
Kenneth Gibson (Cunninghame North) (SNP)
SNP
I thank David Stewart for securing valuable debating time in the chamber on this important matter. I recognise that this is a topic about which we both feel ...
Edward Mountain (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
I want to agree with David Stewart, and I do not believe that he is wired to the moon for having made his suggestion. I support his proposal.
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
I was rather speaking of some others in here—including myself—not, indeed, Mr Stewart.
Edward Mountain
Con
In my opinion, only one site in Scotland really stands out—and that is the site at Machrihanish. The reasons are those that have already been partly given. ...
Neil Bibby (West Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
I join members in welcoming the motion and congratulate Dave Stewart on securing the debate. It is clear, from the speeches that we have heard so far, that a...
John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Green)
Green
I thank my colleague David Stewart for bringing the motion to the chamber. He outlined that Argyll and Bute Council, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise len...
Donald Cameron (Highlands and Islands) (Con)
Con
As a Highlands and Islands MSP, I am delighted to offer my support for David Stewart’s motion and the campaign by Discover Space UK, which is leading the bid...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
All the clichés are coming home to roost. Mercifully, there is no vote in members’ business debates. 17:34
John Scott (Ayr) (Con)
Con
I apologise to the chamber for not being here for the early part of the debate. I wish to speak in support of what Kenny Gibson said about Prestwick airport....
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
I was just telling you that you were coming to the end of your four minutes, Mr Scott. I was not being so unkind as to tell you to stop. I call the minister...
The Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy (Paul Wheelhouse)
SNP
I, too, have been very interested in the debate, and I thank David Stewart for securing it. It is quite obvious that proponents in the chamber for Campbeltow...
John Scott
Con
Does the minister agree with me that that will ultimately be driven by the market, as those who want to put objects and people into space will decide themsel...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
That was a good try, Mr Scott.
Paul Wheelhouse
SNP
That was a good attempt; I have to give marks out of 10 for effort. I accept the first part of what John Scott said and I will come on to the other aspect of...
David Stewart
Lab
Will the minister give way?
Paul Wheelhouse
SNP
I will develop the point and then bring Mr Stewart in. There are a range of space flight operators and a range of opportunities to be pursued, including the...
David Stewart
Lab
We discussed earlier that the decision making will really be by the UK Government’s Department of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority. However, there ...
Paul Wheelhouse
SNP
As I am relatively new to my post, I am not aware of anything specific in that area, but I will investigate and, if need be, I will get back to Mr Stewart on...
David Stewart
Lab
Will the minister take another intervention?
The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
Please be brief, Mr Stewart, as we are running short of time.
David Stewart
Lab
We have been talking about horizontal take-off in this debate, but the minister might be aware that there are opportunities for vertical take-off, particular...
Paul Wheelhouse
SNP
I am happy to accept that point and I will look at those aspects in due course. I understand that the HIAL board previously considered whether to proceed wi...