Energy Policy

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Trade and Industry – in the House of Commons at 10:30 am on 22 March 2007.

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Photo of Alistair Darling Alistair Darling Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 10:30, 22 March 2007

That is true up to a point, but it is perfectly possible to set up offshore wind farms and at the same time meet fishermen's concerns and make sure that those wind farms are not put in sea lanes. We have been doing that satisfactorily across the piece. Let me say, however, that especially at a time when we are concerned to get greener sources of energy, we need more renewables. It is all very well for people to say, "Yes, we agree with that," but not if they then come along and object to every planning consent that is sought whether onshore or offshore—in other words, if they are in favour of measures, but not in their backyard. We cannot proceed on that basis. If we do so, we will not get more renewable forms of energy. It is also worth bearing in mind another point, in respect of which I am sorry that not a single Scottish National party Member is present. The fact that yesterday's Budget revealed that the projected revenues from North sea oil have fallen dramatically means that—