Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP):
Other members have referred to effects on vulnerable communities. In Peterhead in my constituency we have the world’s biggest offshore oil support base, which has been severely affected by the storms. That could have major economic impacts locally and more widely. What practical assistance can the Government provide that would be relevant to the situation in Peterhead?
Paul Wheelhouse: That issue was of some concern to the First Minister when we discussed the incident at the ministerial resilience room meeting on Sunday. Through agencies including Scottish Enterprise we are able to work with local businesses to assist where possible when they have difficulty in implementing their disaster recovery plans and other measures.
Clearly, in an instance such as that in Peterhead, assistance in terms of providing alternative accommodation is absolutely crucial at this time, to ensure that business can continue to function. I will undertake to have dialogue with Stewart Stevenson about what we can do in that regard.