Gordon Banks, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire has written to Jim Mather Scottish Executive Minister for Enterprise , Energy and Tourism calling for clear answers to the many unanswered questions relating to the SNP approval of the Beauly-Denny power line.

Mr Banks said;

“I have written to the Executive as I am astounded and disappointed at many aspects of the Minister’s announcements on this issue.

Answers are necessary on the Community Liaison Group and the Environmental Liaison Group, their roles, powers and structures.

The public have been led to believe that under grounding in certain areas is still possible but the Minister’s performance at the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee appears to place all this in doubt.

What is needed now is some truth and honesty and an end to the SNP trying to hide behind a decision that they obviously feel will be damaging for them.

The consent given by the Minister appears to be for an overhead line along the whole route. If this is to be backtracked on and under grounding is a real possibility the Minister needs to say so now and stop hiding the facts.

Since writing my letter it is now apparent that the Executive had the possibility to support the Reporter’s recommendation to withhold approval on two sections of the route which could have resulted in under grounding these areas and refused to do so. I find this astounding.

I understand that one of the areas recommended by the Reporter for withholding approval on was around Crieff and I am incensed that the Minister did not take this opportunity to do everything he could to support both the Reporter’s decision and the people in my constituency who will be negatively affected.

The Executive’s position is a shambles.”