RENEWABLE ENERGY AND WIND FARMS

Early day motion 781, tabled 4 March 2004 by Stephen O'Brien (Conservative). Signed by 48 members.

That this House support the concept and development of renewable energy, but is concerned that the Government is concentrating too much of its policy on developing wind farms at the exclusion of other potential sources; notes that it is unlikely that wind farms could provide a significant part of the United Kingdom's energy needs, given the cost of their construction, their short life span, the expense of the electricity they produce and their low generating efficiency; is not opposed to wind energy as such but recognises that some wind farms can be intrusive and visually unattractive; and therefore believes that the views of people in the local community should be taken into account when planning applications are submitted.

Signatures by party: Conservative 42, Independent Conservative 2, DUP 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Liberal Democrat 1, UUP 1.