Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Philip Hollobone (Conservative). It was answered on Tuesday, 15 November 2005 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Electricity

Question: Has the Secretary of State seen the report in The Scotsman today, which quotes a leaked Government report that Britain is on track to miss its carbon emission targets? Given the size of the nuclear generation industry in Scotland, by when must a decision be made for new nuclear capacity in Scotland if it is to improve its carbon footprint?

Answer: On the targets, the hon. Gentleman and the House will be aware that the Government are reviewing our policies at the moment, because it is important that the targets that we set ourselves are met. Indeed, we have done many things over the past two or three years. For example, last week, I announced proposals on biofuels that would involve taking about 1 million tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere. That is equivalent to taking more than 1 million cars off the roads every year. On nuclear power, the Prime Minister has made it clear that part of our energy review will include whether we either extend the lives of the present nuclear generating plants or build new plants. The decisions on extending the lives of the existing nuclear plants must be taken in the next few years, first in relation to Hunterston and then Torness. Of course, as part of the review, we will decide whether or not new nuclear plants will be needed in the future.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 439 c810-1
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Carbon Energy supply Nuclear power Pollution control Scotland Electricity
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk