Growing Scotland's Economy

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at 10:50 am on 16 September 2004.

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Photo of Christine May Christine May Labour 10:50, 16 September 2004

To drive economic growth is the most important challenge that faces the country today. Without growth, we will not improve health, we will not improve education and Scotland will not become a better place to live. I commend the Executive on what it is doing, on the documents that underpin the strategy and on the initiatives that have been announced by the minister today.

The minister asked Parliament for constructive suggestions; he will not be surprised to know that I have some. Two of the most important issues for the economy are transport and energy. Transport can either be a barrier or a boost to economic growth, but too often it has been a barrier so the Executive is doing what has needed to be done for many years by making significant investment. As others have said, Scotland has such a great opportunity to exploit the energy industry to its gain. Without a secure, affordable and sustainable supply of energy, economic growth becomes virtually impossible.