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To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what modelling of blackstart capability of Scottish electricity systems has been undertaken by the (a) Government and (b) National Grid in relation to the potential closure of Longannet power station.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what modelling of blackstart capability of Scottish electricity systems has been undertaken by the (a) Government and (b) National Grid in relation to the potential closure of Longannet power station.
National Grid takes their obligation to secure the electricity network very seriously, continuously monitoring future generation and demand via their Future Energy Scenarios and System Operability Framework, designed to provide greater clarity on the likely system impacts of our scenarios. These include highly unlikely and extreme scenarios.
In relation to black starts, there are local restoration plans in place for Scotland which are regularly reviewed and updated. The most recent update was this year and it will be reviewed again following the award of the voltage control contract from the recent procurement exercise. The target capability for restoration after a black start is within 24 hours. Even in the case of closure of Longannet, the restoration times stay within this target, and supplies are set to be secure. We have measures in place to ensure security of supply with or without Longannet.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what modelling of voltage control of the Scottish electricity system has been undertaken by (a) the Government and (b) the National Grid in relation to the potential closure of Longannet power station.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what modelling of voltage control of the Scottish electricity system has been undertaken by (a) the Government and (b) the National Grid in relation to the potential closure of Longannet power station.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what modelling of security of electricity supply in Scotland has been undertaken by the (a) Government and (b) National Grid in relation to the potential closure of Longannet power station.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what modelling of security of electricity supply in Scotland has been undertaken by the (a) Government and (b) National Grid in relation to the potential closure of Longannet power station.
National Grid continually assess the risks to security of supply across Great Britain, including in Scotland, and are confident they have the tools to address any issues, including Longannet and other fossil-fuelled plant closing.
Even excluding unabated coal, which all major national parties have committed to close, Scotland has extensive and diverse electricity production including a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine plant at Peterhead which is investing in Carbon Capture and Storage; two nuclear power stations; onshore and offshore wind; and pumped storage. Scotland also gains increased security of supply from integration within the British energy market so that the full diversity of generators in England and Wales can also supply Scotland.
In terms of modelling the security of electricity supply, the Government and National Grid assess there will be enough generation to meet demand and maintain system stability in Scotland even if one or more major fossil fuelled plant closes. National Grid, Scottish Power Transmission and Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (the system operator and the transmission owners in Scotland) provide analysis and advice to Government. They have stress tested 140 scenarios in which Longannet and other Scottish fossil fuelled generators closed. National Grid has the tools to secure supplies even the toughest system conditions, and the network is resilient against 1 in 600 year risks.
National Grid published the advice that it provided to my rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State and the Scottish government on this issue on their website last week:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what transmission charges have been paid by power stations in Scotland (a) in total and (b) by each power station in each year from 2005 to date.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what transmission charges have been paid by power stations in Scotland (a) in total and (b) by each power station in each year from 2005 to date.
It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.
The Minister claims a substantial transfer of powers, but is it the case that many new powers, for example those regarding benefits or fuel poverty, remain subject to a veto by UK Ministers?
The Minister claims a substantial transfer of powers, but is it the case that many new powers, for example those regarding benefits or fuel poverty, remain subject to a veto by UK Ministers?
I congratulate the hon. Member for Aberdeen North (Mr Doran) on securing this timely debate.
Despite current difficulties, the North sea oil and gas industry remains vital for Scotland—north-east Scotland, in particular. The industry makes a huge contribution not only to the Scottish economy, but to the economy of the whole...
I congratulate the hon. Member for Aberdeen North (Mr Doran) on securing this timely debate.
Despite current difficulties, the North sea oil and gas industry remains vital for Scotland—north-east Scotland, in particular. The industry makes a huge contribution not only to the Scottish economy, but to the economy of the whole...
I accept that. This is going on throughout the industry—in direct employment and among subcontractors.
Within their limited powers in this area, the Scottish Government have taken action. The First Minister has announced a new taskforce to focus on supporting jobs across the energy sector, with an initial emphasis on the...
I accept that. This is going on throughout the industry—in direct employment and among subcontractors.
Within their limited powers in this area, the Scottish Government have taken action. The First Minister has announced a new taskforce to focus on supporting jobs across the energy sector, with an initial emphasis on the...
I have already referred to that; the hon. Gentleman should listen a bit more carefully. I did mention the First Minister’s announcement about what the Scottish Government were doing.
The Scottish Government have endorsed the findings of Sir Ian Wood’s review on maximising recovery on the UK continental shelf and particularly...
I have already referred to that; the hon. Gentleman should listen a bit more carefully. I did mention the First Minister’s announcement about what the Scottish Government were doing.
The Scottish Government have endorsed the findings of Sir Ian Wood’s review on maximising recovery on the UK continental shelf and particularly...
In a way, I am surprised by that comment from the hon. Gentleman, because it seems to be a counsel of despair. We must do what we can to keep our industry going. Unfortunately, we cannot influence what the Saudis or anybody else do with their oil prices. As far...
In a way, I am surprised by that comment from the hon. Gentleman, because it seems to be a counsel of despair. We must do what we can to keep our industry going. Unfortunately, we cannot influence what the Saudis or anybody else do with their oil prices. As far...
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the Marine Accident Investigation Branch is taking to investigate the sinking of the cargo vessel, Cemfjord, in the Pentland Firth.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the Marine Accident Investigation Branch is taking to investigate the sinking of the cargo vessel, Cemfjord, in the Pentland Firth.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has commenced an investigation of the accident in cooperation with the Cypriot, Danish and Polish accident investigation authorities. Initial indications are that Cemfjord capsized suddenly, soon after entering an area of extremely violent seas to the north-west of the island of Stroma; the weather and sea conditions in the Pentland Firth at the time were atrocious. It has also been established that the vessel did not transmit any form of distress signal.
Key areas of investigation include: why the vessel foundered so rapidly; why none of the crew seem to have survived; and why it took so long for the alarm to be raised. To help answer some of these questions, the MAIB will be conducting a Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV) survey of the wreck when weather conditions allow.
Decisions about any further investigation of the wreck in situ cannot be made until the results of the ROV survey have been assessed. The evidence collected thus far suggests no reason to consider raising the vessel and any attempt would be fraught with such technical and practical challenges that it may not be possible to do so.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what representations he has received on the recovery of bodies from the sunken cargo vessel, Cemfjord, in the Pentland Firth.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what representations he has received on the recovery of bodies from the sunken cargo vessel, Cemfjord, in the Pentland Firth.
No representations have been made to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency about recovering bodies from the CEMFJORD.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the reasons for the length of time taken by the emergency towing vessel to respond to the foundering of the Cemfjord in the Pentland Firth.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the reasons for the length of time taken by the emergency towing vessel to respond to the foundering of the Cemfjord in the Pentland Firth.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has considered their coordination of the response to the foundering of the CEMFJORD. The correct search and rescue (SAR) resources were sent at the correct time once Her Majesty’s Coastguard had received a report of a capsized hull. The SAR response included four lifeboats, two helicopters and other vessels in the Pentland Firth area.
The emergency towing vessel was not sent as part of the SAR response but to mark the position of the capsized ship and to offer expert advice on any salvage effort.
What steps the Government is taking to maintain existing Scottish rail services on and connected to the East Coast Mainline.
What steps the Government is taking to maintain existing Scottish rail services on and connected to the East Coast Mainline.
The new deal the Government have signed for the east coast main line franchise with Virgin and Stagecoach will provide new services, new state-of-the-art trains with more capacity, and reductions in journey times.
I thank the Minister for that answer. He will know that the east coast main line is an important link through my constituency, but it has been reported that the new franchisee intends to drop one station south of Edinburgh from the line, raising fears that other stations may be dropped from the new service. Will he give an absolute assurance that, after the change of franchisee, services on the east coast main line will continue to stop at all the stations currently used?
I thank the Minister for that answer. He will know that the east coast main line is an important link through my constituency, but it has been reported that the new franchisee intends to drop one station south of Edinburgh from the line, raising fears that other stations may be dropped from the new service. Will he give an absolute assurance that, after the change of franchisee, services on the east coast main line will continue to stop at all the stations currently used?
I hoped that the hon. Gentleman and his colleagues would welcome the new franchise with its services to Falkirk and Stirling. There is no suggestion that there will be any reduction in services, but I am happy to make further inquiries for him on that point.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much his Department has spent on opinion polling on attitudes in Scotland towards Scottish independence since 1 January 2013; and under what cost headings such money has been spent.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how much his Department has spent on opinion polling on attitudes in Scotland towards Scottish independence since 1 January 2013; and under what cost headings such money has been spent.
As part of this Government's transparency programme, we publish spend data over £25,000 and contracts over £10,000 on Gov.uk and Contracts Finder.
The Minister is aware that the Smith commission has recommended that the powers in relation to unconventional oil and gas be transferred to the Scottish Parliament where planning permission already rests. Will he press for an early transfer of those powers?
The Minister is aware that the Smith commission has recommended that the powers in relation to unconventional oil and gas be transferred to the Scottish Parliament where planning permission already rests. Will he press for an early transfer of those powers?
As the hon. Gentleman says, the Scottish authorities already have control of planning for onshore oil and gas, and the Smith commission recommends that the licensing of onshore oil and gas underlying Scotland be devolved, whereas the licensing of offshore oil and gas will remain reserved. The proposals to bring this matter forward in a Scotland Bill are ongoing, but as he knows, the Infrastructure Bill is also going through this House as we speak, and we will look at the proposals for how we can make this agreement real.
How many licences for onshore oil and gas exploration in Scotland have been granted by his Department in the last five years.
How many licences for onshore oil and gas exploration in Scotland have been granted by his Department in the last five years.
In the past five years, the number of onshore licences for oil and gas exploration that have been granted in Scotland is zero.
There is almost a point of agreement here. In our proposals to the Smith review, we said:
“As part of any agreement, the Barnett Formula should continue to be used to determine Scotland’s resources during any transitional period”.
We are seeking full fiscal responsibility and in that event there would obviously have...
There is almost a point of agreement here. In our proposals to the Smith review, we said:
“As part of any agreement, the Barnett Formula should continue to be used to determine Scotland’s resources during any transitional period”.
We are seeking full fiscal responsibility and in that event there would obviously have...
That this House welcomes the publication of Citizens Advice Scotland's report entitled Voices from the Frontline: Personal Independence Payments, which examines the roll-out of personal independence payment to replace disability living allowance; notes that claimants are having to wait an average of six months to receive a decision and in some cases over a year; further notes that such delays prevent people from receiving certain passported benefits, payment of some of which cannot be backdated; considers the cumulative impact of Government policy on disability benefits to have been damaging to many of the most vulnerable people in society; and urges the Department for Work and Pensions to take on board Citizens Advice Scotland's recommendations.
That this House welcomes the publication of Citizens Advice Scotland's report entitled Voices from the Frontline: Personal Independence Payments, which examines the roll-out of personal independence payment to replace disability living allowance; notes that claimants are having to wait an average of six months to receive a decision and in...
That may be so—I am listening carefully to what the right hon. Gentleman is saying—but the vow made it clear that there would be substantial new powers for the Scottish Parliament. It is becoming increasingly clear, however, that prior to this, the parties have never agreed on what those powers...
That may be so—I am listening carefully to what the right hon. Gentleman is saying—but the vow made it clear that there would be substantial new powers for the Scottish Parliament. It is becoming increasingly clear, however, that prior to this, the parties have never agreed on what those powers...