Chamber and committees

—but it is about economic growth and productivity.

This has been fascinating and informative, so I very much appreciate your joining us.

I will start at the macro level. I am interested in what you are saying about decisions that Governments can make that can make things happen. We are expecting the UK Government response to the Skidmore report, there is that point about the delivery plan, and we are hoping in Scotland for a decision on the Acorn project for track 2, because that shifts the dial considerably for Grangemouth, which is the focus of this inquiry.

What are the types of policy decisions that are needed to unlock things? Even in relation to heating buildings, which we have been discussing, the UK Government’s decision on gas boilers is not due until 2026—that is a decision that could be brought forward. I am interested in the types of decisions that would help us to move.

It is about investment in advance of need. I am also deputy convener of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee and we are currently looking at the electricity infrastructure and whether it is an enabler or an inhibitor. The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets does not have a net zero policy focus. If it did, it might help some of that investment, and some of that investment in the grid helps us shift on hydrogen, and hydrogen is a big focus for what we are looking at for Grangemouth. It would help us if you illustrated the types of Government decisions that you are talking about that can help move things. Clearly, some of them are in reserved areas, but some are devolved. We are about to get a circular economy bill, so that might help. It would be helpful if you could illustrate the types of decisions that you mean.

My degree is in economic history. It would be wonderful if Grangemouth is one of the first places to move to such a model. It is only miles from the birthplace of the industrial revolution at the Carron iron works in Falkirk, and only 10 miles from where shale oil was first discovered in Winchburgh. It would be quite something to imagine that re-engineered future in a place-based approach.

It is back to the future, potentially, in a place-based way—

Mark, is there anything that you wanted to tell us that you have not been able to?

Aileen McLeod?

I am very conscious of the tight timescale for this, but I also want to emphasise the importance of regulation of chemical substances and the importance of the chemical industry to Scotland. This is an area of key importance. It would be beneficial to hear from the minister, and perhaps, if we have time, to write to the relevant regulatory bodies in Scotland to get their perspective on this. It looks as if this is an essential step, but it would be worth drilling down to the extent that we can during the time that we have.

What are the impacts of current delays and deferrals, and of inflation, on your short-term business plans?

Morag Watson, what would you ask of the Scottish Government to support network investment and readiness?

Thank you. Aileen and Scott, briefly, do you agree with that?