Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Scotland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Viscount Thurso Excerpts
Wednesday 2nd July 2014

(9 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alistair Carmichael Portrait Mr Carmichael
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We are very much better off as a result of being part of the United Kingdom, and I long for the day when again Ministers here and in Edinburgh can all concentrate on doing their day job of working together to get the maximum benefit to Scotland and Scotland’s economy, and jobs for the people of Scotland that come from inward investment—instead of a referendum distraction.

Viscount Thurso Portrait John Thurso (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross) (LD)
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My right hon. Friend will be well aware that marine renewable energy presents a considerable opportunity for inward international investment as well as for export, based on the knowledge we have acquired. In that regard, it is vital that MeyGen’s project goes ahead. What discussions has he had with either the Department of Energy and Climate Change or the Crown Estate to enable that to happen?

Alistair Carmichael Portrait Mr Carmichael
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I have had a number of discussions, as I think my hon. Friend is aware, involving my colleagues in DECC and in the Crown Estate. I am very keen to ensure that no procedural difficulties will stand in the way of the development from MeyGen, which, as he and I both know, is a very exciting and potentially lucrative development for his area.