THE SNP has secured the chairmanships of two important House of Commons Committees - Scottish Affairs and Energy and Climate Change, the party has said.
It is thought Pete Wishart, the MP for Perth and North Perthshire, who is the party's Shadow Commons Leader, will become the new chairman of the Scottish Affairs Committee.
While the membership of all committees reflects the size of each party, thus meaning that David Cameron's Conservatives will have a majority on all of them, The Herald understands that the
Nationalists are confident they can get an "anti-Tory majority" on the Scottish Affairs Committee.
The SNP revealed its committee chairmanships - secured because of its increased strength at Westminster as the new third party - as well as the securing of a Commons debate next Thursday on Trident before any apparent official announcements by the Commons authorities.
Commenting on its committee chairmanships, SNP Chief Whip Mike Weir MP said: "I'm delighted that the SNP has secured the convener-ships of these two very important committees following our record-win of 56 seats in the general election.
"Both the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee and Scottish Affairs Select Committee are especially important to Scotland in this parliament.
"We will be seeing one of the major bills coming forward in the Scotland Bill on more powers for Scotland and, of course, the Energy and Climate Change Committee is of particular importance with our oil and gas sector and renewables industry."
The MP for Angus added: "The SNP chairing these committees will allow us to make progress on these important issues and will help us get the best deal for Scotland."
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