Question
For many of my constituents in rural Stirling and Strathallan, energy security also means being able to afford the heating oil they rely on to live and to run businesses from home. What discussions has the Secretary of State had with Cabinet colleagues about ensuring that support for jobs in the oil and gas sector is mindful of the need to deliver the affordable and secure energy that many rural homes and jobs rely on?
Answer
The point that my hon. Friend makes is well taken. The supply chain supporting oil and gas, and the energy sector more generally, is not limited to the north-east but stretches right across Scotland, including in his Stirling constituency. I hope that he will listen with interest to the words of the Chancellor in just a few minutes’ time.
Verdict: RED (10/100)
The reply does not answer the question asked. It does not describe the Secretary of State's engagement with Cabinet colleagues, and it does not address how affordable and secure energy will be provided for rural homes and businesses. Instead, it notes where the oil and gas supply chain is spread across Scotland and points the MP to the Chancellor's forthcoming statement. The asker would most likely need to submit a follow-up question to get the specific information they requested.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is the nature of the Secretary of State's engagement with Cabinet colleagues on ensuring that support for jobs in the oil and gas sector takes account of the need to deliver affordable and secure energy for rural homes and businesses. | Not Addressed | Generic | The reply never describes the nature of the Secretary of State's engagement with Cabinet colleagues or addresses affordable and secure energy for rural homes and businesses. It acknowledges the MP's point, describes the geographic spread of the oil and gas supply chain across Scotland, and refers the MP to the Chancellor's forthcoming statement, which points away from the question rather than answering it. |