Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 22 March 2011
22 Mar 2011 · S3 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Scottish Executive Question Time
Leith Biomass Plant (Consultation)
General Questions
I accept that the minister cannot give a view on the proposal, but I am sure that, if the future energy minister is sitting in the chamber, he or she will recognise the massive local opposition to the proposal. However, the current minister could give a view on a policy on large-scale biomass plants. Will he support, as a policy, a moratorium on developing such plants, on the ground that they will contribute nothing towards meeting our vital 2050 climate change objectives?
In the same item of business
Malcolm Chisholm (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab)
Lab
8. To ask the Scottish Executive how many submissions concerning the proposed Leith biomass plant it had received by the 11 March consultation deadline and h...
The Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism (Jim Mather)
SNP
The energy consents and deployment unit received 1,900 consultation responses from organisations that were consulted on the proposed development and from mem...
Malcolm Chisholm
Lab
I accept that the minister cannot give a view on the proposal, but I am sure that, if the future energy minister is sitting in the chamber, he or she will re...
Jim Mather
SNP
I note Malcolm Chisholm’s comments. We are working closely with the United Kingdom Government to help it to develop its biomass strategy. As he properly said...
Shirley-Anne Somerville (Lothians) (SNP)
SNP
I put on record my tribute and best wishes to Jim Mather as he answers his last question as a minister. Applause.Given the strength of local opinion on this ...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
Just come to a question, please.
Shirley-Anne Somerville
SNP
Given the strength of local opinion, will the minister pass on advice to his successor about the need for a public inquiry on the proposal, so that the publi...
Jim Mather
SNP
I note that suggestion. We should note that the process has been properly followed, open and consultative. I hope that such features will be the hallmark of ...
The Presiding Officer
NPA
Before First Minister’s question time, I know that members will wish to join me in welcoming three visitors to the gallery: the chairman of the Council of Fe...