Malcolm questions the commitment of the Scottish Government
to renewable energy
Question on Domestic Energy Consumption
Malcolm Chisholm (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab):
Does the minister agree not only that
small-scale renewable energy technologies can play an important role in reducing
domestic energy consumption but that the 15 per cent renewables target for new
developments set out in Scottish planning policy 6, which was issued before the
election, can be important in expanding their use?
If so, why have the majority of local authorities not translated
the target into their local plans, and why have they not received any support
or pressure from the Scottish Government to do so? Moreover, why is the Scottish
Government dragging its heels on introducing permitted development rights for
microrenewables in existing buildings, despite independent advice received more
than a year ago that supported the policy?Stewart Maxwell: If the member can wait, he will
soon find out the answers to his questions. We are currently considering many
of those issues, and an announcement will be made very shortly.
February 28th 2008, (Columns 6449-50)