The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
SNP urged to make ‘speedy decision’
Scottish Secretary David Mundell has urged SNP ministers to use the “clear body of evidence” available on fracking to make a speedy decision on whether to allow it.
The Conservative minister was at Grangemouth to welcome the first shipment of ethane from the US in a development he described as “significant” for Ineos.
The Scottish Government said none of its ministers was able to attend the event. It is understood Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse was chairing ameeting of the Longannet taskforce while Economy Minister Keith Brown attended Cabinet.
However, a Scottish Gov- ernment said the SNP administration at Holyrood was “committed" to supporting the future of the Grangemouth site.
Mr Mundell said the $2billion – £1.61billion – of investment by the chemical giant in bringing shipments of shale gas to Europe was “world-leading technology” which would help to sustain jobs at Grangemouth as well as create “potentially thousands more”.
The Conservative MP said: “I think what we have to recognise and celebrate is this is world- leading technology that's coming here to Scotland and to the United Kingdom.
“Ineos have done something people said wasn't technologically possible and they’ve delivered on it.
“I think that’s something that is important to understand – the significance of what is happening here.
“To me, it creates the ability to sustain jobs that are already here but potentially create thousands more.
“I’m quite clear, fracking is devolved in Scotland and I played a part in that so it is for the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament to make the decision. Westminster can’t tell it what to do but I think they have to weigh up all the issues.
“In terms of the principle, I think there is a very, very significant body of evidence out there on which to make a judgment.”
A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “The Scottish Government has commissioned a series of independent research projects into unconventional oil and gas to examine potential environmental, health and economic impacts to inform our evidence-led approach.
“These are due to report later this year, with the public consultation taking place during winter 201617.
“The moratorium will remain in place throughout this process and the Scottish Government will use the results of the consultation to inform its decision on the way forward.
“Grangemouth is a site of significant importance for the Scottish economy and we will go on working to support its long-term future, as we have in the past.”