Ministers from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy were answering questions in the Commons. Subjects covered
included... Economic Growth and Emissions Energy Generation
and Consumption: Kettering Food and Drink Sector: South-west
Automotive Industry Energy Bills Sustainable
Electricity Generation Feed-in Tariff Scheme...Request free trial
Ministers from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy were answering questions in the Commons. Subjects covered
included...
To read in further detail, click on the link or see below.
Economic Growth and Emissions
-
(Solihull) (Con)
1. What steps he is taking to support economic growth while
decreasing emissions. [905777]
-
(Gordon) (Con)
8. What steps he is taking to support economic growth while
decreasing emissions. [905786]
-
The Minister for Energy and Clean Growth (Claire
Perry)
My hon Friends and the House will agree that we should be
proud of the UK’s progress in cutting emissions while
driving economic growth. Since 1990, we have reduced our
greenhouse gas emissions by over 40% while growing the
economy by over two thirds—the best performance per capita
in the G7. And we will, as part of our modern industrial
strategy, continue to exploit the opportunities for future
growth across the UK through our clean growth grand
challenge.
-
As we rightly move towards eliminating the internal
combustion engine in all new cars from 2040, does the
Minister agree that, in the short to medium term, it is
important to jobs and growth that we recognise the role of
clean diesel engines such as those in the cars that roll
off the production in my local car plant?
-
My hon. Friend rightly champions the incredible employer in
his constituency. He knows that we are right to move
towards eliminating internal combustion engines from our
roads, but we must do it in a managed way and ensure that
we preserve those jobs and particularly the investment in
clean diesel during the transition to zero-emission
vehicles. I know that there have been announcements today
of job losses in his constituency, which will be
concerning. However, they are part of the manufacturing
plan that has been announced.
-
The oil and gas industry plays an active role in protecting
the environment and reducing emissions. Does the Minister
share my shock that the shadow Chancellor advised Cambridge
University to divest itself of oil and gas investments when
that industry supports 300,000 jobs in the UK? Does she
agree that the industry is playing its part, and that
300,000 UK jobs are worth protecting despite the
Opposition’s—
-
Mr Speaker
Order. I say very gently that the Minister will want to
focus on the policy of the Government. Her view about the
policy of the Opposition is neither here nor there. With
experience, I know the hon. Gentleman will realise that
those questions are disorderly.
-
The Government’s policy is to support a sector that employs
300,000 people and contributes £21 billion to the UK
economy. We recognise that the vital oil and gas industry
has an integral role to play as we transition to a
low-carbon economy, which is why we are investing in
technologies such as carbon capture, usage and storage, and
exploring how things such as our world-leading submersible
technologies can work to support oil and gas.
-
(Ynys Môn) (Lab)
The Minister will be aware of the potential of the marine
energy sector in terms of both UK economic growth and
reducing emissions. Will she assure me that projects such
as Minesto and Morlais in my constituency will not be
crowded out by the funding mechanism in place now, which
favours offshore wind?
-
The hon. Gentleman knows that we have set out £557 million
to support all renewable technologies over the next few
years. We want to make sure that we decarbonise at the
right price for taxpayers and bill payers, which is one
reason why the mechanism will continue.
-
(Ogmore) (Lab)
One way in which the Government could invest in economic
growth while decreasing emissions would be to invest in the
Swansea Bay tidal lagoon project. They have flip-flopped
over the past 10 days, with leaks about when the
announcement will or will not be made. May I press the
Minister? Can she please tell us when she will deliver that
major economic investment for Wales?
-
Having grown up on one side of the Bristol channel and seen
the second-highest tidal range in the world on an almost
daily basis, I will take no lessons on the value of tidal
and marine technology. As guardians of public money, it is
absolutely right that we make investments that deliver the
right decarbonisation and the right value for the taxpayer.
The hon. Gentleman should not rely on leaks and assume that
they are Government information. That announcement will
come in due course and the House will be the first to know.
-
David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con)
Does my right hon. Friend agree that the recent
announcement of support for Wylfa underpins the
Government’s commitment not only to reducing emissions, but
to economic growth, not least in Wales?
-
My hon. Friend is right. I should clarify that we are
entering commercial negotiations—a deal needs to be
done—but we should make a virtue of the fact that we have
one of the most diversified energy supplies in the world,
and one of the lowest-carbon energy supplies. We have also
managed to get ourselves off coal, which other countries
long to do.
-
(Salford and
Eccles) (Lab)
The Government’s shambolic policy on the solar and onshore
wind sectors in recent years has meant that significant
economic growth and decarbonisation opportunities have been
lost. For example, we have seen dramatic feed-in tariff
subsidy cuts; business and VAT rate hikes; and obstruction
to clean power auctions. Sadly, as we have heard today,
there are reports that the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon, the
world’s first tidal lagoon, which would create thousands of
jobs and local supply chains and use 100,000 tonnes of
majority British steel, is potentially on the Secretary of
State’s hit list. Will the Minister buck that trend today
and confirm when the decision will be made, and outline
what support she will give to solar and onshore wind?
-
I remain bemused by the hon. Lady’s ability to seize a
disaster out of a triumph. We have delivered more renewable
energy than we ever thought possible, at a price that is
unimaginable—[Interruption.] I know the Opposition Front
Benchers do not give a stuff about consumer bills, as they
have made that totally obvious, but we care about
decarbonisation at the right price for the consumer.
-
I think we touched a nerve there. The Minister is living in
a parallel universe to me, because in the first quarter of
2018 the deployment of new solar slowed to its lowest level
since 2010, and next year onshore wind installation is
expected to be at its lowest level since before 2008. But
it gets worse: last November, the industrial strategy was
published, yet seven months on progress has been slow, with
business becoming increasingly frustrated. The industrial
strategy council has not yet been appointed, no strategy
for reaching the research and development target has been
published, and dozens of sectors are waiting for responses
to their sector deals. So does the Minister accept, as some
key business leaders do, that perhaps her Government’s
chaos over Brexit and the apparent inability even to
concentrate on an industrial strategy are undermining
British business and indeed our growth?
-
The previous point still stands. We are incredibly proud of
our industrial strategy, with its groundbreaking
opportunities to link up government and businesses for the
first time. I go back to the point on the hon. Lady’s
questions about solar: the thing about offshore wind is
that we lead—[Interruption.] Again, if they could all stop
chuntering, Mr Speaker—God almighty. We lead the world in
terms of the installed capacity, and we have created tens
of thousands of jobs. I know the Opposition Front Benchers,
as per the first question, do not give a stuff about jobs,
let alone consumer bills, but the point is that—
-
Mr Speaker
Order. Minister, please resume your seat. I am most
grateful to you, but I am afraid dilation is not in order
today. We have a lot to get through and not much time in
which to do so. We have to make progress. We need short
questions and short answers.
Energy Generation and Consumption: Kettering
-
Mr (Kettering)
(Con)
2. What estimate he has made of the amount of electricity
(a) generated and (b) consumed annually in the borough of
Kettering. [905778]
-
The Minister for Energy and Clean Growth (Claire
Perry)
The last time I talked about dilation, I was in labour.
However, in Kettering—
-
Mr Speaker
Order. What is required is a brief answer and a brief
question—no dilation.
-
In 2016, at least 150 GWh were generated in Kettering,
mostly from renewables; this is enough generation to power
38,000 homes. In 2016, 405 GWh of electricity were consumed
in the Kettering local authority area.
-
Mr Hollobone
It is great news that Kettering is one of the greenest
boroughs in the country, but we do have a very large number
of wind turbines in the borough. What are the Government
doing to encourage offshore wind turbines, rather than
onshore ones?
-
We have maintained, and will continue to maintain, our
manifesto commitment that says that no more large-scale
onshore wind development is right in England. That should
reassure my hon. Friend and his constituents.
-
(Stirling) (Con)
rose—
-
Mr Speaker
No. This question was purely about Kettering—both the
question and the answer—so we must move on.
Food and Drink Sector: South-west
-
(North Cornwall)
(Con)
3. What recent assessment he has made of trends in the
level of business investment in the food and drink sector
in the south-west. [905779]
-
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy (Greg Clark)
Food and drink grown and made in Cornwall is exported and
enjoyed around the world. My hon. Friend, both as chairman
of the all-party group on dairy and as North Cornwall’s MP,
will welcome the £75 million investment by Dairy Crest in
its Davidstow creamery, announced two weeks ago, to expand
its cheese production by nearly 50%. We are working closely
with the industry to ensure that companies continue to
invest and grow, right across the UK.
-
I am grateful to the Secretary of State for that answer,
and I do welcome Dairy Crest’s recent announcement. The
food and drink sector is flourishing right across the
south-west, particularly in North Cornwall. We have some
fantastic brands, including Tarquin’s Gin, Kernow
Chocolate, Sharp’s brewery and Buttermilk fudge, to name
but a few. Many of these small and medium-sized firms are
looking to export for the first time. What discussions is
his Department having with the Department for International
Trade in order to expand some of these opportunities for
those firms?
-
We know that there is huge demand for these products. For
example, one reason behind the expansion of the creamery is
the increasing appetite in China for cheese produced in
Cornwall. My hon. Friend mentioned Sharp’s brewery, and the
investment in the facility at Rock now means that 340,000
pints of Doom Bar a day can be produced there. I hope some
of those will leave these shores and be enjoyed around the
world.
-
(Plymouth, Sutton and
Devonport) (Lab/Co-op)
Controversially, Britain’s earliest pasty recipe comes from
Plymouth rather than Cornwall. It dates from 1510 and was
found in Plymouth borough’s accounts. Pasties are a key
part of both Plymouth and Cornwall’s identity. What
discussions has the Minister had to ensure that the name
“Cornish pasties” is protected after we leave the EU,
preventing anyone else around the world from forging
pasties, be they Cornish or from Plymouth?
-
Anyone who has enjoyed pasties in Cornwall or, dare I say,
Plymouth will attest to their unique qualities. We have
products across the United Kingdom that are associated with
the places where they are manufactured. It is an
association of quality, and we will ensure that they
continue to be protected as part of our negotiations.
Automotive Industry
-
(Coventry
North East) (Lab)
4. What steps he is taking to support the automotive
industry. [905781]
-
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy (Greg Clark)
The automotive sector is one of our great success stories,
and our recently published automotive sector deal, as part
of the industrial strategy, sets out how we will continue
to support it in future. The partnership continues to
deliver results. In April, Vauxhall announced an investment
of over £100 million in its Luton plant to build the next
generation of Vivaro vans. Last month, the Society of Motor
Manufacturers and Traders, the sector body, reported that
UK van production had increased by almost a fifth compared
with last year.
-
Jaguar Land Rover is one of Coventry’s biggest employers.
Recently, JLR revealed its intention to make Coventry the
heart of its large-scale battery and electric vehicle
production plans. This is welcome news for my city. With
that in mind, what support can the Minister offer to Jaguar
Land Rover to ensure that Coventry becomes the centre for
large-scale battery and electric vehicle production?
-
I am grateful for the hon. Lady’s question and I completely
agree with her praise and support for that very important
employer. JLR’s expansion plans and its plans to
make electric vehicles in Coventry are
reinforced by the Faraday challenge, which is part of the
industrial strategy, and the national battery manufacturing
development facility is based at Warwick University’s
campus there to support that company and many others
besides.
-
(South West
Bedfordshire) (Con)
Does the Secretary of State agree that it would be a cruel
irony if Volkswagen, the author of the emissions cheating
scandal, were to make large pay-outs in Germany and the
United States, which would help those countries to boost
their electric vehicle capacity, but made no similar
pay-out to help the United Kingdom move ahead in this area?
-
My hon. Friend is right that the consequences have to be
borne by the companies that cheated the system. We need to
make the transition to ultra low emission vehicles to make
sure that we lead the world in this area. Just a few weeks
ago, Toyota announced a big investment in the future of
mobility here in the UK, based on the commitments that we
are making as part of our industrial strategy.
-
(Warwick and
Leamington) (Lab)
21. Scrappage schemes have been used in the past to assist
businesses and industries in a transition. Has the Minister
costed a support package to scrap old diesel vehicles and
assist in a managed transition to renewable/alternative
energy vehicles? [905800]
-
The hon. Gentleman is right that we need to see a managed
change. Earlier, my right hon. Friend the Minister for
Energy and Clean Growth pointed out that the next
generation of diesel can play a big part in not only
reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but improving air
quality. We will shortly be setting out our proposals on
how we make the important transition to zero emissions
across our vehicle fleet.
-
(Telford) (Con)
Hundreds of jobs in my constituency rely on the Jaguar Land
Rover supply chain. Will the Secretary of State tell the
House what he is doing to help car manufacturers to deal
with the uncertainty of Brexit and the fall in demand for
diesel vehicles?
-
I will. My hon. Friend is right to comment on the supply
chain. A big part of the automotive sector deal, which we
concluded with the sector, is to boost the proportion of
components that are sourced in the UK. This is a joint
commitment that we make, as part of the industrial
strategy, but she is also right to draw attention to the
importance of our continued ability to trade with the rest
of the European Union, free of tariffs and with low
friction, so that we can maintain the just-in-time model,
which is so crucial to our automotive sector.
-
Sir (Twickenham) (LD)
Following the loss of the Discovery model to Slovakia,
which was a decision at least partly influenced by Brexit,
what steps is the Minister taking to head off the risk to
Jaguar Land Rover’s exports to China where the rules of
origin will conflict with the interests of the company in
the event that we lose the customs union and we no longer
have sufficient UK content in the cars?
-
The right hon. Gentleman is wrong about the decision that
was made. In fact, it is a decision to prepare Solihull for
the next generation of the Range Rover and the Range Rover
Sport. JLR described that as a huge investment and a
technology upgrade in Solihull, so I hope he will welcome
that. He knows that the importance of making sure that we
are able to continue to trade—this includes recognising
rules of origin not just with the European Union, but
around the world—is vital for this company.
-
(Rugby) (Con)
Many intending to purchase new cars are unsure what type of
engine to opt for, partly as a consequence of Government
taxation policies. That is having a serious effect on the
British motor manufacturing industry. Will the Secretary of
State confirm that there remains a future for clean diesel?
-
I will indeed. We are not the only country that is seeing a
fall in the sales of diesel. As I and my right hon. Friend
the Minister of State have said, clean diesel and the new
generations of diesel engines have a very important role to
play in the transition to ultra low emission vehicles.
-
(North West Durham)
(Lab)
Contrary to what the Secretary of State has said, over the
past six months nearly 2,000 job losses have been announced
in the UK’s automotive sector. This week in the media we
have seen speculation about thousands of further
redundancies caused by a combination of factors, including
worries about possible consequences of a no deal Brexit and
the absence of the customs union. May I press the Secretary
of State to set out how the Government will work with
business, industry bodies and trade unions to ensure
security of the automotive industry and those employed in
it both in the immediate future and beyond UK’s exit from
the EU?
-
We work very closely with the industry with great success.
Engine production in this country was up over 17% last
year, reaching 1 million engines. That is a record. Never
in the history of the British motor industry were more
engines produced than last year. Over the past year, the
net number of jobs that are being created—note the word
“created”—in the automotive sector in this country is
9,000.We have a very good record of working closely with
the industry to support an industry that is not only very
successful today, but will continue to flourish in the
future.
Energy Bills
-
(Eddisbury)
(Con)
5. What steps he is taking to support vulnerable consumers
with their energy bills. [905782]
-
(Berwickshire, Roxburgh
and Selkirk) (Con)
20. What steps he is taking to tackle rising energy prices.
[905799]
-
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy (Greg Clark)
The Government are committed to helping energy consumers.
We have brought forward the price cap Bill, and more than 2
million low-income households receive £140 a year through
the warm home discount.
-
Does the Secretary of State agree that a wide-reaching
energy efficiency programme would help vulnerable customers
in Eddisbury and elsewhere, as well as helping the UK meet
its climate change targets?
-
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. One of the missions
that the Prime Minister announced as part of our grand
challenges in the industrial strategy is to reduce by 50%
the energy consumption of homes built in the future. That
has an important impact not only on our greenhouse gas
emissions, but on the bills that people face.
-
With recent rises in fuel costs, many motorists in the
Scottish borders feel like they have been taken for a ride.
What steps are the Government taking to try to reduce the
impact of higher taxation on fuel, and what analysis has
the Department carried out on the allegations of rocket and
feather pricing on petrol and diesel sales at the pump?
-
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the question. It is a
very important market. Obviously, recent oil prices rises
have had an impact at the petrol pumps. It is important
that prices are competitive and not, as he implies, subject
to rising quickly and then taking a long time to decline.
The Office of Fair Trading last looked at this in 2013, but
I expect its successor, the Competition and Markets
Authority, under , a noted consumer
champion, to keep this under close review.
-
(Leeds West)
(Lab)
Up to 200,000 customers do not benefit from the warm homes
discount because they get their energy from smaller energy
suppliers. Is it not time to extend the warm homes
discount, especially since energy bills are going up and we
are trying to crack down on rip-off tariffs?
-
The hon. Lady, Chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy Committee, makes a very important point. We are
reviewing whether the threshold for exclusion is
appropriate; I know that she will welcome that.
-
Dr (Central Ayrshire)
(SNP)
Some 169 households in my constituency have been affected
by the mis-selling of insulation and solar panels by HELMS.
This company was accredited by the Government under the old
green deal scheme, so what will the Government do to
compensate these people—often vulnerable pensioners—and how
will they prevent such mis-selling from happening under the
new green deal scheme?
-
As with any other supplier, consumer protection rights are
in place and available. I would be very happy to meet the
hon. Lady to discuss this particular case and see whether
we can help.
-
(Stirling) (Con)
Vulnerable customers can benefit from the use of smart
meters. Will the Secretary of State update the House on how
many SMETS 2 meters have now been installed and are
connected to the Data Communications Company?
-
I can tell my hon. Friend that 1,000 new SMETS 2 meters
have already been installed. That is a significant
milestone because it represents the beginning of the
roll-out of the next generation of meters.
-
Mr (East
Londonderry) (DUP)
As businesses look to expand their market share in the
wider evolving world market beyond the EU ahead of next
year, what priority are the Government giving to
maintaining and trying to reduce energy bills to create
employment and prosperity right across the United Kingdom?
-
The hon. Gentleman makes an extremely important point. We
have commissioned Professor Dieter Helm to look at how we
can reduce the costs of our energy system for businesses
and consumers. One of the advantages of the strategy that
we have pursued is that we have brought down the costs of
offshore wind—a major contribution—by targeting and
investing substantially in it at a rate, as my the Minister
for Energy and Clean Growth, my right hon. Friend the
Member for Devizes (Claire Perry) said earlier, which has
resulted in a reduction beyond what anyone expected even a
couple of years ago.
Sustainable Electricity Generation
-
Dr (Ealing Central and Acton)
(Lab)
6. What steps he is taking to encourage investment in
environmentally sustainable electricity generation.
[905783]
-
The Minister for Energy and Clean Growth (Claire
Perry)
Since 2010, we have seen a large increase in renewables
deployment and investment, with more than £52 billion
invested, and indeed it is paying off. In 2017, more than
half our energy generation came from low-carbon sources. As
prices tumble, we can buy more with the same amount of
money, which is why we are making £557 million available
for further contracts for difference. We have started
negotiations with Hitachi to bring forward the country’s
second new nuclear plant, which my hon. Friend the Member
for Monmouth (David T. C. Davies) mentioned.
-
Dr Huq
The Minister talks a good talk, but rooftop solar panel
take-up is at a seven-year low. In my seat, Alternergy has
gone from topping the Fintech 100 to an 80% drop in
business since the end of the feed-in tariff was announced
in 2012. What assurances does the Minister have for such
firms after the scheme closes next year?
-
It is right that we look at how we can deliver subsidy-free
energy using schemes such as the feed-in tariff that have
been wildly successful. I will shortly be launching a call
for evidence so that we can come up with a good replacement
for the feed-in tariff scheme.
-
Sir (New Forest West)
(Con)
What was the principal driver in the reduction of the price
of new offshore wind?
-
There were two things. First was the world-leading contract
structure that we set up with our auctions; I pay tribute
to that very good coalition policy. The second thing was
the enormous deployment globally and the reduction in price
of the various components. It has been a great British
success story.
-
(Brent North)
(Lab)
In 2015, the then Secretary of State said that 2018 would
be the year for the UK to ratchet up our Paris climate
commitments and our progress towards sustainable
generation, but in the past three years the Government have
capped support for low-carbon energy and destroyed 12,000
solar jobs. Clean energy investment, which fell by 10% in
2016, fell by a further 56% in 2017 to its lowest level in
a decade. How about the Minister comes down off cloud
complacency and finally gives investors certainty about the
renewables industry, starting with a date for the
consultation on the post feed-in tariff framework?
-
I think that the question in all that preamble was, “What
is the date?” As I said, we will be announcing that soon.
-
(Inverness, Nairn,
Badenoch and Strathspey) (SNP)
Globally, the nuclear power market is declining rapidly
while the low-carbon power of offshore wind and battery
storage becomes more affordable. How can the UK Government
justify taking a reported £5 billion direct stake, and a
further guarantee of £9 billion, in the nuclear white
elephant that is Hitachi Wylfa Newydd?
-
As I have said repeatedly, we have entered into
negotiations. I have to tell the hon. Gentleman that one of
the saddest things I saw at the conference of the parties
in Bonn this year was the barge-loads of dirty brown coal
sailing down the Ruhr because countries like Germany have
made an ideological choice about their energy supply rather
than focusing on what keeps the lights on, costs down, and
carbon falling.
-
The Minister said earlier that she “gave a stuff” about
household budgets, yet Tory dogma is set to saddle
consumers with nuclear energy costing about £80 per
megawatt-hour compared with under £60 for offshore wind. Is
it not time that the UK Government stopped living in the
past, scrapped this nuclear project, and put households,
who bear the brunt of costs, front of mind?
-
The hon. Gentleman cites numbers that have no relevance to
the negotiations. We have to keep bills down, and we have
to make sure that the lights are on, that we have a secure
energy supply, and that we decarbonise. We think nuclear is
very much part of that mix.
Feed-in Tariff Scheme
-
Mr (Glasgow North East)
(Lab/Co-op)
7. What his policy is on supporting small and medium-sized
renewable power generators after the closure of the feed-in
tariff scheme. [905785]
-
(Westmorland and Lonsdale)
(LD)
16. What the timetable is for the publication of the
Government’s consultation on the feed-in tariff scheme.
[905795]
-
The Minister for Energy and Clean Growth (Claire
Perry)
The feed-in tariff scheme was launched in 2010 and now
delivers £1.5 billion-worth of support a year for
low-carbon generation. It has been really successful, and
over 6 GW of it has been deployed—2.5% of UK electricity
consumption. We want to see how we can deploy it at a
subsidy-free level, as that is where prices are going. I
will launch a call for evidence on the future of
small-scale generation soon.
-
Mr Sweeney
Although I was delighted to hear that the world-leading
small wind turbine manufacturer in my constituency,
Gaia-Wind, was saved from liquidation this week by an
overseas buyer, the unnecessary uncertainty that the
Government have created around the future of small-scale
renewable energy persists. So will the Minister put
investors and companies at ease and make a cast-iron
promise to bring forward the consultation on future support
before the summer recess?
-
I am really glad that, as the hon. Gentleman says, it looks
as though at least some of the jobs at the company in his
constituency have been saved. With these schemes, we always
have to think about what is value for money and what is the
right thing to do in terms of energy security and supply. I
will not make cast-iron guarantees, but I can promise him
that it will happen soon.
-
Ben Dyson at Lakes Renewables Ltd in Kendal, which focuses
on solar power, has seen a 50% reduction in his work due to
the impending closure of the scheme. He has kept going by
diversifying, but many other firms have gone to the wall.
Ben urgently needs policy clarity from next March, and to
see business rates on commercial rooftop solar abolished.
What steps will the Minister take to ensure that these
rates are abolished and that the growth of small green
businesses such as Ben’s is encouraged?
-
I met representatives of the various trade associations to
discuss this really important point. It will be considered
separately from the consultation. However, I invite the
hon. Gentleman and his constituent to make any
representations; I would be keen to receive them.
High Street Businesses
-
(Lewes) (Con)
9. What steps he is taking to support high street
businesses. [905787]
-
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business,
Energy and Industrial Strategy (Andrew Griffiths)
The retail sector is an important part of our economy and
our industrial strategy, as are the 3 million jobs employed
in it. In March, I established the Retail Sector Council so
that retailers can work together with Government to develop
policies to support the sector. Last week, the Secretary of
State and I held a roundtable in Downing Street with
retailers to establish how to tackle the challenges facing
the sector.
-
As more retailers struggle to survive on our high streets,
what discussions has the Minister had with Treasury
colleagues to move business rates away from a property-type
tax so that high-street retailers can compete on a level
playing field with online businesses?
-
As my hon. Friend will know, in April 2017, retailers saw a
6% reduction before inflation in their business rates, with
£3.6 billion of transitional relief. We are doing what we
can to support businesses. The Retail Sector Council will
be looking at a range of issues, including business rates.
The Government are determined to ensure that the taxation
system is up to date and fit for purpose.
-
(Chesterfield)
(Lab)
One of the areas on the high street that is particularly
struggling is that of our important pubs. I would be
interested to hear the Minister’s view on the extent to
which pub-owning businesses and tenants enjoy confidence in
the Pubs Code Adjudicator—and if they do not, what steps
the Government are taking to put that right.
-
As the hon. Gentleman will know, I take a particular
interest in the health of public houses up and down the
country. He will know that this Government set up the Pubs
Code Adjudicator to ensure that landlords and tenants
across the country got a fair deal. It is still early days,
but the adjudicator is getting on and making decisions. I
know that the Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy, my hon. Friend the Member for
Watford (Richard Harrington), is in close discussions with
the adjudicator to ensure that he is getting the job done.
-
Sir (Derbyshire Dales)
(Con)
Do the Government feel that there is a level playing field
between internet providers and businesses on the high
street?
-
I congratulate my right hon. Friend on his election to the
Select Committee; I am sure he will do a great job in
standing up for British business. He highlights a key
issue, which is the transition from traditional bricks and
mortar to online. Last year alone, we saw a 9% increase in
online retail. Clearly that is a challenge for Government
and business. That is why we are looking at the business
rates structure and also at what we can do to help business
to transition during this difficult period.
-
(Crewe and Nantwich)
(Lab)
The British Retail Consortium has estimated that up to one
third of retail jobs could disappear by 2025 as a
fundamental transformation of the market occurs. Does the
Minister agree that providing retail workers with the
opportunity to upskill and reskill is critical to avoiding
mass job losses over the next decade?
-
I absolutely agree that it is important to ensure that our
workforce are properly skilled, which is why that is an
important part of our modern industrial strategy, but I am
less pessimistic than her. Retail employment has been
stable at about 3 million. Yes, those jobs are changing,
but retail sales totalled some £362 billion last year, and
jobs are being created in the retail sector.
-
(Sefton Central)
(Lab)
Last week, House of Fraser announced that 6,000 jobs were
at risk. Yesterday, another 5,000 jobs went at Poundworld.
Since the start of the year, tens of thousands of retail
workers have lost their jobs. Some 3.9 million people work
in our retail sector. They, their employers and anyone who
cares about our high streets want a retail sector deal, so
when are the Government going to publish the strategy? More
to the point, will it have any meaningful action?
-
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. Yesterday I
spoke to the chief executives of both House of Fraser and
Poundworld to properly understand the challenges that those
businesses face and what Government can do to support them.
The hon. Gentleman talks about a sector deal. I politely
point out that it was this Government who had to take
action to bring together the Retail Sector Council, a forum
in which to develop policies. While the Labour party sit by
and watch, this Government are getting on and working with
the retail sector to protect those jobs.
Sirius Minerals Polyhalite Project
-
Mr (Scarborough and
Whitby) (Con)
10. If he will make an assessment of the potential
contribution of the Sirius Minerals polyhalite project to
the industrial strategy. [905788]
-
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business,
Energy and Industrial Strategy (Richard Harrington)
The Sirius Minerals polyhalite project has the potential to
create 1,000 skilled jobs at the mine near Whitby and on
Teesside, with many more jobs in their supply chains. That
is an important type of business that will benefit from our
industrial strategy, creating skilled jobs in the north of
England.
-
Mr Goodwill
I am sure the Minister is aware of the recent Quod report,
which shows the long-term economic benefits of this
investment. The polyhalite fertiliser mining project does
not only bring the 1,000 jobs that the Minister mentioned
but is the largest single investment in the north. Product
will be exported to the world through Teesport, growing the
local economy by almost 20% and adding £2.3 billion to the
economy. Does the Minister agree that that is precisely the
kind of project that the Government should be getting
behind as part of the modern industrial strategy?
-
I agree with my right hon. Friend. This is a very important
project for him, as the Member of Parliament for Whitby. It
is an important developing business, and I agree that it is
exactly the kind of business that would benefit from our
industrial strategy.
-
Mr (Huddersfield)
(Lab/Co-op)
I worked for some years in the chemical industry, so let us
talk in real terms. We are talking about potash, and as one
of the biggest reserves of potash in Europe, this business
is seriously important. On a day like today, when we face
the ruination of Brexit, when my local engineering
companies are desperate about losing their markets in
Europe and when Ministers are resigning, it is vital that
we use this resource to compensate for the disaster in the
rest of the economy.
-
I agree with the hon. Gentleman; this potash project is
very exciting and very good for the UK. It is exactly the
kind of business that he would want in his area, and it
will help businesses throughout the United Kingdom.
Science, Technology and Innovation Investment
-
(Chelmsford) (Con)
18. What steps he is taking to invest in science,
technology and innovation throughout the UK. [905797]
-
The Minister for Universities, Science, Research and
Innovation (Mr Sam Gyimah)
When it comes to science, research and innovation, this
Government are putting their money where their mouth is. We
are investing an additional £7 billion in research and
development funding by 2022—the biggest ever increase in
public funding. Our ambition is to increase the UK’s
R&D spend to 2.4% of GDP by 2027, which will be an
additional £80 billion over the next decade to help us to
dominate the new industries of the future.
-
The industrial strategy’s commitment to supporting new
innovation and investment in science and technology for
food production was much welcomed, especially in areas such
as North Yorkshire. Will the Minister update the House on
what the Government are doing to deliver on these ambitions
so that we can fully realise the sector’s potential as a
source of high-skill jobs and growing exports?
-
Mr Gyimah
My hon. Friend is right to mention agri-tech. As he is
aware, we set out in the industrial sector that agri-tech
is one of the six priority areas for the artificial
intelligence and data economy grand challenge. On progress
in what we are doing, we have announced a £90 million
transforming food production challenge, which will continue
to bring together the UK’s world-class agri-food sector
with expertise in robotics, AI and data science.
-
In Chelmsford, we are making the sensors that will go on
the Sentinel satellites, which will provide a step change
in how we monitor our planet’s environment from space. Many
European countries have national space programmes and are
members of the European Space Agency, Will the UK have a
national space programme and contribute to the European
Space Agency going forward?
-
Mr Gyimah
I can answer categorically: the UK will continue to be a
member of the independent European Space Agency—currently,
for every £1 we invest, we get £10 back—and Innovate UK is
looking at a national space programme with the UK Space
Agency. In addition, we are looking at a space sector deal
to boost the work in our thriving space sector.
-
Mr (Orkney and
Shetland) (LD)
Some of the most exciting and innovative work in
engineering at the moment is being done on the development
of renewable energy from wave and tidal stream power. The
sector itself has come up with a proposal for innovation in
power purchase agreements. Will the Minister, or perhaps
some of his colleagues, agree to meet me with a delegation
from the sector to discuss how it can contribute to the
Government’s industrial strategy?
-
Mr Gyimah
Absolutely. I am glad the right hon. Gentleman mentions the
industrial strategy, and I would be delighted to meet him.
-
(Manchester Central)
(Lab/Co-op)
rose—
-
Mr (Huddersfield)
(Lab/Co-op)
No mention of Galileo—not one word.
-
Mr Speaker
Order. The hon. Gentleman does not need to keep banging on
about Galileo from a sedentary position. We want to hear
the views of the hon. Lady, but we have heard the hon.
Gentleman chuntering and we may hear him on his feet in due
course.
-
When looking at investment in science and innovation across
the UK, will the Government do what has not been done in
recent years, and make sure that the north gets its fair
share?
-
Mr Gyimah
The hon. Lady mentions the Strength in Places fund—it is
actually a big part of our industrial strategy—which is
designed to ensure that research and development does not
just benefit the so-called golden triangle, but benefits
all parts of the UK in terms of jobs and growth.
-
(Livingston)
(SNP)
Even though telecoms are reserved to Westminster, the UK
Government are contributing just £21 million to the
Scottish Government’s programme to provide superfast
broadband to everyone in Scotland. What representations
will the Minister therefore make to the Chancellor about
matching the Scottish Government’s whopping £600 million
contribution?
-
Mr Gyimah
It is for the Scottish Government to make their own budget
representations, but as we have always said, we are
committed to the roll-out of superfast broadband across the
UK. Some 95% of the country has superfast broadband thanks
to the work of this Government.
-
(Newcastle upon Tyne
Central) (Lab)
Science is a great British success story, supporting jobs
and growth across the country. With Europe’s funding for UK
science down a fifth, more than 6,000 engineers and
scientists denied visas in this year alone and universities
reporting that Brexit chaos is freezing them out of
Europe’s new £90 billion science fund, UK science risks
crashing down to earth. Does the Minister accept that his
threat to spend the entire UK science budget on duplicating
Galileo because the Government have bungled negotiations on
this £9 billion UK-EU collaboration is final proof that his
science strategy is lost in space?
-
Mr Gyimah
As I said, we have the biggest increase in science and
innovation in this country for 40 years. As for the UK-EU
science collaboration, the EU Commissioner himself said:
“It is very important for the UK and it is very important
for the EU to have a relationship in science and
innovation. We’ve had this relationship for so long”.
On Galileo, negotiations are under way and we have made it
very clear not only that it benefits the UK but that EU
member states stand to lose skills and other important
issues without the UK’s involvement.
Gas Sector: Scotland
-
The Minister for Energy and Clean Growth (Claire
Perry)
This Government have provided unprecedented levels of
support to help this incredibly important sector—that is
something on which we do agree. The Government announced
the transferable tax allowance, the sector’s No. 1 ask;
established the Oil and Gas Authority; invested in the
Aberdeen city deal, including the excellent £90 million Oil
and Gas Technology Centre, which I was pleased to visit;
and put together a fiscal package worth £2.3 billion. It is
working, with 16 new final investment decisions this year.
-
That all sounds very good, but the reality is that in 2016
the Budget measures on support for the oil and gas industry
were only a third of the measures on inheritance tax. The
measure on transferable tax history has been delayed
further, so when will that come forward? Why can the
Government find billions and billions of pounds for nuclear
but not for the oil and gas sector?
-
The hon. Gentleman and I usually talk about the sector in
very positive terms. We have delivered the things that the
sector has asked for and it is working. It is fantastic to
see investment happening in the North sea basin. The fact
that the sector has gone through a time of building
resilience given the oil price decline means that it is now
starting to invest and grow again.
British Steel
-
(Bridgend) (Lab)
13. What assessment he has made of the capability of
British steel manufacturers to produce high-grade steel for
new markets. [905791]
-
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business,
Energy and Industrial Strategy (Richard Harrington)
In December 2017 we published Government-commissioned
independent research that identified high-value market
opportunities for UK steel producers worth up to £3.8
billion a year by 2030
-
Mrs Moon
The national shipbuilding strategy sought to improve UK
prosperity through shipbuilding. The MOD fleet solid
support ships contract is worth more than £1 billion. What
steps will the Government be taking to ensure that British
steel manufacturers are ready to bid for that contract?
-
As the hon. Lady will know, because I met her the week
before last, I am very conscious that Tata is in Port
Talbot in her constituency. I promise that I will do
everything in my power to ensure that Tata and other
British steel companies, all of whom I meet regularly, are
poised to act on these contracts.
Carbon Capture and Storage Taskforce
-
(Keighley) (Lab)
14. What the timetable is for his receipt of the report of
the carbon capture usage and storage cost challenge
taskforce; and if he will make a statement. [905793]
-
The Minister for Energy and Clean Growth (Claire
Perry)
I am delighted to answer this question and continue the
conversation about carbon capture and storage that the hon.
Gentleman and I were having last night. We are determined
to deploy cost-effective carbon capture and storage at
scale and in a way that helps to decarbonise both
generation and industry. That is why we have asked the
taskforce, the best minds in the country, and our CCUS
council to convene. I am looking forward to receiving their
report and acting on it very soon.
-
Does the Minister agree that the development of carbon
capture and storage is crucial for much of British
manufacturing and for the use of gas during the transition,
and will she encourage innovation not just in technology
but in finance, with both the Government and the fossil
fuel sector contributing?
-
The hon. Gentleman might have been reading one of the
report’s recommendations. He is absolutely right. We must
deliver this in a way that is cost-effective and supports
further innovation. I am confident that with the
taskforce’s help we will have very good recommendations and
ideas to move forward with.
Industrial Strategy
-
Ms (St Helens South and
Whiston) (Lab)
15. What progress he has made on developing (a) sector
deals and (b) local industrial strategies as part of the
industrial strategy. [905794]
-
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy (Greg Clark)
Our modern industrial strategy will boost productivity and
earning power across the UK. We have announced four sector
deals in areas including life sciences, the creative
industries, the automotive sector and artificial
intelligence. More will come in the weeks ahead. I am
encouraged by the work of the mayoral combined authorities
and local enterprise partnerships in developing local
industrial strategies.
-
Ms Rimmer
I and my Front Bench colleagues have been informed that
dozens of sectors have put forward proposals for a sector
deal, including the steel industry, but have had little or
no engagement from the Government. Will the Secretary of
State confirm how many proposals for sector deals he has
received and to how many he has formally responded?
-
I am delighted to report that we have had a huge interest
from sectors right across the country, including the steel
sector. The Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy, my hon. Friend the Member for
Watford (Richard Harrington) and I have had substantial
discussions with the steel industry and we look forward to
developing that deal in the weeks and months ahead.
-
(Cleethorpes)
(Con)
What progress is being made on the Greater Grimsby town
deal?
-
I know this deal is close to my hon. Friend’s heart and
that of his constituency neighbour. I have made a
commitment to come to Cleethorpes and, I dare say, Grimsby
to help with that negotiation. I look forward to doing so
soon.
-
Several hon. Members rose—
-
Mr Speaker
We can take Question 19, if it is brief.
Tidal Lagoons
-
Sir (Kingston and Surbiton)
(LD)
19. What the Government’s policy is on tidal lagoons.
[905798]
-
The Minister for Energy and Clean Growth (Claire
Perry)
The right hon. Gentleman knows, more than many in the
House, the need to invest in innovative technologies while
maintaining a focus on value for money. We have rightly
looked at this project with very serious scrutiny. There
are some very attractive things about it, but it has to
pass the value for money test. When that decision is made
the House will be the first to know.
-
Sir
Does the Minister accept that nuclear and offshore wind
needed pathfinder projects, first-of-a-kind projects, to
prove the technology and the economics, and to get the cost
down. Why can tidal lagoons not have such a pathfinder
project, just as recommended?
-
Partly because of the right hon. Gentleman’s great policy
decisions, we have had a world-leading advance in offshore
wind in terms of the cost at which we can deploy it. He is
right to say that we have to consider the whole life cycle
of technologies and that is exactly what we have been doing
in considering tidal technology.
-
Mr Speaker
The right hon. Gentleman has been given the accolade of
being the source of world leadership in a particular field.
I trust, therefore, that he will be gratified with his
efforts today.
Topical Questions
-
(Kingston upon Hull
North) (Lab)
T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental
responsibilities. [905802]
-
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy (Greg Clark)
Since our last departmental questions, we have taken
further steps to implement our industrial strategy. In
early May, we launched UK Research and Innovation, with a
budget of £6 billion a year, to drive forward our growing
investment in research and development. The Prime Minister
announced four missions that our grand challenges will
achieve, including to save 20,000 lives a year through
artificial intelligence-assisted cancer diagnosis. We have
launched sector deals in AI, convened the first ever retail
sector council and launched a major programme to drive
productivity in smaller companies. On the 150th anniversary
of the creation of the TUC, from the party that established
the royal commission that decriminalised trade unions, that
brought in widows pensions and holiday entitlements, that
created the national living wage—in other words, Mr
Speaker, the true workers’ party—we wish the TUC a very
happy birthday.
-
Of course, I say to the Secretary of State that the Labour
party was founded by the trade unions.
My question is about retail. In Hull, retail employs 12,000
people. Hull’s House of Fraser store is going to close,
with the loss of 207 jobs. Hull has three Poundworld stores
that are under threat and there are also concerns about
Hull’s Marks and Spencer store, which may be one of the 60
unidentified branches closing by 2022. After the Comet
collapse, which cost taxpayers some £45 million, what is
the Minister going to do to assist shop workers and protect
taxpayers?
-
The hon. Lady will concede that the efforts and engagement
through the city of culture year between the Government and
Hull were very substantial and very effective. I am
familiar with the House of Fraser store in Hull. I know
what an important part it plays in the life of the town
centre. I understand that the council is confident that
such a prime site, which I know well, will be taken up. I
will work closely with the council to make sure, through
the sector council, it has all the help it needs.
-
(Mid Dorset and
North Poole) (Con)
T4. Will my right hon. Friend update the House on what he
is doing to support vulnerable people in Mid Dorset and
North Poole with their energy bills? [905805]
-
The Minister for Energy and Clean Growth (Claire
Perry)
Of course, the whole House will shortly be able to pass the
price cap Bill, which will assist all consumers with the
cost of energy, and this comes on top of the prepayment
meter and vulnerable consumers price caps that are in
place. We are determined to continue supporting vulnerable
consumers through such things as the warm home discount,
winter fuel payments and through repurposing the very large
energy company obligation scheme to tackle fuel poverty.
-
(Bristol West)
(Lab)
T2. Will the Secretary of State please think of the 150,000
homes that it would power, the thousands of jobs that it
would create, the supply chain business that it would
support in Wales and the west, and the climate change that
it would tackle, and get off the fence and announce
Government support for Swansea bay tidal lagoon today?
[905803]
-
I have always admired the hon. Lady’s passion. Again, as I
have said multiple times, we absolutely are very keen to
scrutinise this deal. It has to deliver the low carbon
energy we all want and the jobs we all want at a price that
is affordable for the consumers we all represent.
-
(Ochil and South
Perthshire) (Con)
T5. Following my Adjournment debate on 4 June, what steps
has my right hon. Friend been able to take to progress
geothermal energy in Clackmannanshire? [905806]
-
Those who missed the Clackmannanshire energy project
Adjournment debate missed a massive treat: it was a very
enjoyable, informative debate. We are very supportive of
the project. My officials are working closely to explore
funding opportunities, and I commend my hon. Friend for his
continued leadership in this important area.
-
(Caithness, Sutherland
and Easter Ross) (LD)
T3. Last night I had the pleasure of travelling on the
sleeper from Inverness to Euston, and with me on the
sleeper was a consignment of delicious highland shellfish
products. What are the Government doing to assist the
transportation of fresh highland food products to markets
in the south and indeed, overseas? [905804]
-
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business,
Energy and Industrial Strategy (Richard Harrington)
As you may well be aware, Mr Speaker, highland products are
absolutely excellent and should well be distributed to all
parts of the UK. The Government’s policy, with the
industrial strategy to develop business by helping with
research and development and through keeping fuel prices
low, without the troughs and peaks that the Secretary of
State mentioned, will help significantly.
-
(Chippenham)
(Con)
T8. Each year, I organise the Wiltshire Festival of
Engineering, and this October’s event is set to reach
thousands of young children. What will the Department be
organising for this year’s Year of Engineering? [905809]
-
The Minister for Universities, Science, Research and
Innovation (Mr Sam Gyimah)
The Festival of Engineering is particularly important for
students because we want to encourage and inspire people to
take engineering subjects and follow engineering careers. A
lot of activity is planned and I will be delighted to share
this with my hon. Friend.
-
(Manchester Central)
(Lab/Co-op)
T6. With Government support for the third runway at
Heathrow coming on top of Crossrail 2, is this not yet
another example of infrastructure spending going to the
south-east of England? Will the Secretary of State now up
the ante and make sure that we get the infrastructure spend
to realise the northern powerhouse? [905807]
-
We are getting on with major infrastructure investments
that would be good for the whole United Kingdom and which
the previous Government did not take.
-
(Gloucester)
(Con)
T9. Like all good films, I hope that a Government response
to the Hendry review is “Coming Soon”, but meanwhile, will
the Minister share with us whether she agrees that the
opportunities for marine energy, whether tidal stream,
tidal lagoon or waves, are enormous? Does she agree that
they deserve more support and encouragement to develop this
fantastically innovative source of additional low carbon,
domestically produced energy? [905810]
-
I must pay tribute to my hon. Friend’s brilliant
chairmanship of the all-party group on this technology
area. He is absolutely right: we do think that water power
has incredible potential. That is why the Government have
invested over £100 million since 2010 in investigating
various forms of the technology and why we are keen to
continue to pursue opportunities, but they have to be at
the right price for consumers.
-
Mr (Ealing, Southall)
(Lab)
T7. What assurances has the Minister received that the
British steel industry can supply Heathrow expansion
sufficiently? [905808]
-
As I hope the hon. Gentleman is aware, I meet the steel
industry regularly, and I am very interested to meet him to
hear his views on the subject. I can assure him that
everything that can possibly be done to deal with tariffs
is being done. I had a meeting with all the chief
executives of the steel business. I went to Brussels last
week and met the director general of trade, as well as
other CEOs and European colleagues.
-
(Bexhill and Battle)
(Con)
High street businesses lose out when banks close,
pensioners lose banking services, and post offices are also
facing challenging times. What can be done to make sure
that the main high street banks provide their services at
least in a host post office that acts as a hub?
-
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business,
Energy and Industrial Strategy (Andrew Griffiths)
My hon. Friend, who makes some important points, will know
that the Government have invested £2 billion in the post
office network to ensure that across the country, in
communities where retail banks are closing, the Post Office
can step up and allow his constituents and businesses,
among others, to access both personal and business banking
in their local post office. That is good for the post
offices and for our communities.
-
(Dewsbury) (Lab)
T10. Dewsbury town centre is a shadow of its former self
and has the second highest rate of vacant units in the
country. Will the Minister tell me exactly what the
Government are doing to deal with the decline of high
streets in northern towns such as mine? [905811]
-
The hon. Lady will know that the retail sector is
particularly impacted on by changes in consumer behaviour.
More people are shopping online, and that is a challenge
for the sector. There is no silver bullet, but through the
retail sector we are sitting alongside industry and trying
to understand the challenges it faces, such as on business
rates and how we adapt to ensure that we not only help the
sector to make that transition, but protect the jobs of the
3 million people employed in the sector.
-
(Stirling) (Con)
When will the Government respond to the joint report on
Carillion by the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Committee and the Work and Pensions Committee?
-
I thank my hon. Friend for his question and thank the
Select Committees for their work on Carillion. They did a
truly remarkable job in holding the directors of Carillion
to account and uncovering exactly what went on with the
Carillion collapse. I think the report was issued on 16
May, and the Government have 60 days in which to respond,
but I can assure him that we are doing all we can to meet
the challenge.
-
Several hon. Members rose—
-
Mr Speaker
Order. We have run out of time so we must have very brief
questions. I think a sentence will suffice.
-
(Strangford) (DUP)
Factory output has decreased, according to the papers
today. Will the Minister outline what he can do to assist
factory manufacturing and initiate a clear industrial
strategy?
-
As the hon. Gentleman knows, through the industrial
strategy, which has been developed in close collaboration
with the Engineering Employers Federation, and through
investment in research and development and skills, we are
doing everything we can to take the opportunities arising.
-
(South Suffolk)
(Con)
Given the success of auto-enrolment, will the Minister
outline what steps the Department is taking to ensure that
as the country saves more, we invest more in British
industry?
-
The hon. Gentleman will know that through the industrial
strategy we are doing all we can to support British
business and make sure it gets the investment it needs,
particularly through the British Business Bank, which is
looking to release £20 billion of patient capital to give
our businesses the rocket fuel they need to grow.
-
Mr (West Bromwich West) (Lab/Co-op)
The decision by JLR to invest in electric vehicles is very welcome,
but equally the decision to produce the Discovery model in
Slovakia is profoundly worrying. Does the Secretary of
State agree that it underlines the need for tariff-free
access for both cars and components in the EU?
-
I agree with what the hon. Gentleman said at the end—of
course we need tariff-free access with a minimum of
frictions to these important markets—but I disagree that
this is not a sign of significant confidence. JLR is
investing in the next generation of vehicles. I hope he
will welcome that.
-
(Great Grimsby)
(Lab)
What is the Secretary of State’s No. 1 initiative to ensure
that the Greater Grimsby town deal moves from theory to
reality?
-
As I said to my hon. Friend the Member for Cleethorpes
(Martin Vickers), I will come and sit down with Grimsby and
Cleethorpes leaders to negotiate it myself.
-
(York Central)
(Lab/Co-op)
There is clearly a crisis on our high street, so will the
Minister ensure that business rates are fully addressed in
this year’s Budget?
-
I can assure the hon. Lady that, together with the retail
industry, we are looking at business rates, their impact on
businesses and our ability to ensure we have a fair
taxation system.
-
(Aberdeen North)
(SNP)
The industrial strategy challenge fund round closed in
April, but the Government are not expected to make a
decision until the tail end of this year. Can they speed up
the process please?
-
Mr Gyimah
We are determined to speed up the process, and obviously we
are investing more than ever before, but it is important
that we take our time to make the right investments to
benefit UK industry.
-
(Peterborough)
(Lab)
Employees in my constituency have time limits imposed on
their toilet breaks, which are insufficient. What
assessment has the Department made of businesses adopting
such practices?
-
The Department keeps a close eye on developments of this
kind, and I assure the hon. Lady that the matter is firmly
on our agenda. We want to ensure, through the review and the
work we are doing ourselves, that workers are treated
fairly, receive the support that they need in business, and
are fairly paid.
-
(Glasgow Central)
(SNP)
One of the biggest missing links in the tackling of money
laundering is the Government’s own agency, Companies House.
When will the Minister ensure that it is funded adequately
and has enough staff to carry out proper checks on
businesses?
-
I assure the hon. Lady that we are seeking to ensure that
Companies House is fit for purpose. As she will know, in
2016-17 it brought some 3,182 prosecutions. Companies House
is very attuned to the challenges that it faces,
particularly in relation to money laundering. That is why
we are introducing, for instance, measures relating to
Scottish limited partnerships, which I am sure the hon.
Lady will welcome.
-
Mr (Huddersfield)
(Lab/Co-op)
I know that the Secretary of State is an honourable man. He
is the Business Secretary. If we have a hard Brexit,
British business will be devastated. Will he join us today
in voting to keep us in the single market?
-
I work night and day to make sure that British and
international businesses continue to invest in this country,
and they have shown a willingness to do so. We want to be the
best location not only for trade with Europe but for trade
around the world, and that will form part of our
negotiations.
-
Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Glasgow South) (SNP)
What support can my constituents, who are among the 5,000 set
to lose their jobs at Poundworld, expect from the Government?
-
As the hon. Gentleman will know, I spoke to the chief
executive of Poundworld yesterday to try to understand the
challenges that it faces. Through the official receiver, the
special manager is seeking to do everything possible to
rescue the business, and they are hopeful that there are
buyers out there for at least part of it. We in the
Government have pledged to do all that we can to ensure that
the business is rescued.
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