Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy ministers were answering
questions in the Commons. Subjects covered included...
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Electric Vehicles
(Eddisbury) (Con)
1. What recent steps his Department has taken to support the
development of electric vehicles. [911243]
(Montgomeryshire) (Con)
13. What recent steps his Department has taken to support the
development of electric vehicles. [911255]
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy (Greg Clark)
In May I announced an additional £28 million, from the £250
million Faraday challenge, for the UK Battery Industrialisation
Centre, where industry will test next generation world-leading
technologies.
Does the Secretary of State agree that for electric vehicles to
thrive additional capacity will be required, and that energy
efficiency measures to bring every home to an energy performance
certificate C standard are vital in delivering that, as they will
reduce energy consumption by 25% and free that capacity for
electric vehicle use?
I completely agree with my hon. Friend. She is right to point out
the connections between our energy systems and the future of
mobility in how we drive cars. That is why the industrial
strategy sets up both as grand challenges and why the Faraday
Challenge addresses both of them.
The Welsh Government are also promoting the development of
electric vehicles, including the associated network of electric
charging points. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to
ensure liaison across the border between England and Wales to
deliver the best possible distribution of electric vehicle
charging points?
My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. It is clear that if
drivers are to have the confidence that they will be able to
charge their vehicles, every part of the United Kingdom needs to
be a part of that. My hon. Friends and I have regular discussions
with the Welsh Government, and the roll-out of the charging
network is in all parts of the United Kingdom.
(Wirral South) (Lab)
The Secretary of State knows that many of my constituents work in
the automotive industry and how serious the situation is with
Brexit. Constituents are writing to me to ask why there are so
few charging points in the Wirral. This is a huge issue. Will he
do something that this Government really have control over and
take action now on the business rates impact on the automotive
industry, so we can at last have some positive news for the
automotive industry in Britain?
I think the hon. Lady knows that I have regular discussions with
Vauxhall and its owner PSA. In fact, PSA has invested very
substantially. One of its most recent major investments in Europe
was to strengthen the Luton plant with the next generation of
technology. We talked to it about investment in Ellesmere Port,
which she knows is important.
In terms of charging points, we have one of the best charging
networks in Europe, but we need to expand it further. As the hon.
Lady knows, through the automotive sector deal we have a very
close relationship with the industry and work jointly with it.
(Ogmore) (Lab)
May I press the Secretary of State on yesterday’s statement from
the Secretary of State for Wales in relation to Ford? There is
capacity in the Bridgend plant and it would be a very good way to
keep it open. Will he work with the Welsh Government to ensure
that electric batteries can be constructed at Ford, to help to
keep the jobs in and around my community?
The hon. Gentleman makes an excellent point. I am delighted he
was in the discussion that we had yesterday and that he will
serve on the taskforce that has been established. The quality of
the workforce, its facilities and connections represent a
fantastic opportunity for new investment, whether by Ford or by
others in the automotive sector. We work very closely to bring in
those investments.
(Watford) (Con)
I commend the Secretary of State and the Department for the
Faraday challenge and the development of battery technology.
However, does he agree that to have successful battery technology
in the UK we need a successful automotive manufacturing sector,
and that to do that we need a very close relationship with the EU
for frictionless trade and everything that goes with it?
My hon. Friend is right. In his time, he worked very hard to
secure some of the investments that have been made. The
automotive industry, along with many others, has always been
clear that the strengths of the UK are at least in part drawn
from our ability to export and import components very flexibly
without delay. It is vital that that should continue.
(Kilmarnock and Loudoun)
(SNP)
Sales of electric cars in the UK in 2018 hovered at just 2.7%. In
Norway, they rose to 31.2%, up from 20.8% in 2017. What lessons
can the UK learn from a successful, driven, small independent
country?
The take-up of electric vehicles is growing very quickly in this
country. The investment that we are making in the charging
network, with 17,000 public charging points, is a very important
contribution to that. In the weeks ahead, the hon. Gentleman will
see further announcements on how we can accelerate the deployment
of charging technology.
(Rugby) (Con)
I wonder whether the Secretary of State has received his
invitation to the reveal of Lotus’s new electric hypercar on 16
July. It is the world’s first electric hypercar—designed,
engineered and built in Britain. In a week when the motor
industry has had some difficult news, does he agree that this is
a great shot in the arm for the UK motor industry?
It is indeed a great shot in the arm and I hope that I will see
my hon. Friend there to celebrate it. It is fair to reflect that
this is a difficult, challenging time for the automotive industry
around the world, but through the decisions that we took in the
industrial strategy to emphasise battery electric vehicles and
the new technology, and connected and autonomous vehicles, we
have made the right judgment about how to attract the jobs and
companies that will be expanding in the future.
Mr (East Londonderry)
(DUP)
Given the ongoing problems in recent years regarding the UK
automotive sector and the ongoing problems affecting Tesla, is
there not an opportunity for the Minister and the Government to
approach Tesla and the UK automotive industry to see whether some
acquisition could be arrived at to produce electric cars in this
country?
We have many discussions. Just a few days ago, I had a major
potential investor in battery technology in my office to discuss
a potential investment. Through the Automotive Council, we work
very closely with the sector, and the national battery
manufacturing centre is a collaboration between the players in
the industry that gives them confidence to be able to invest for
the future in the UK.
Mr (Kettering) (Con)
It is UK Government policy to end the sale of new diesel and
petrol cars by 2040, but do we really have to wait 21 years to
achieve that objective?
It is important that we have a realistic move to the new fleet
that we need. The targets were adopted in consultation with the
industry. A lot of the capital investment needs to take place
over a substantial period of time, and I would not want a
situation in which we lost jobs and opportunities by setting a
target that was not deliverable and feasible for manufacturers.
(Salford and Eccles)
(Lab)
Might I begin by expressing my support for the efforts of my hon.
Friend the Member for Leeds West (Rachel Reeves) in bringing
forward her Bill today to legislate for net zero emissions by
2050? To achieve that, supporting our automotive industry will be
vital, but Ford had warned that leaving the EU would add hundreds
of millions to its costs, and after the vote, it said that it was
considering closing plants. This warning has come to pass. Ford
is now saying that another 6,000 jobs could be at risk in the
event of no deal, which is particularly concerning now that it
looks likely that the next PM will actively pursue it. What
direct support has the Secretary of State offered Ford to reverse
its decision, and has he considered the impact of a no deal on
manufacturing when deciding who to back as the next Prime
Minister?
We have led the world and the cross-party consensus across the
House on our move to net zero. The hon. Lady will know that just
this week, the International Energy Agency described the
Government’s efforts as
“an inspiration for many countries who seek to design effective
decarbonisation frameworks.”
When it comes to Ford and the automotive sector, she is right
that companies in the sector have been crystal clear that we need
to leave the European Union with a deal that allows us to
continue to trade without frictions so that we are able to grasp
the opportunities that we will have in the future. All my efforts
are directed at securing that deal.
I actually asked about what support had been offered to Ford.
Last night I spoke to a Bridgend councillor, who said
“We don’t need taskforces, commissions or working groups, we
desperately need investment in Bridgend now.”
Sadly, it is not looking like any of the candidates for PM will
support our car industry going forward. One thinks he knows more
about car manufacturing than the boss of Jaguar Land Rover.
Another said that there will be a stronger manufacturing base if
we leave. Another denies that Nissan’s decision to pull the
X-Trail was about Brexit, despite the company highlighting
uncertainty; and the one who is allegedly the most reasonable has
said that he is prepared to leave without a deal if there is a
straight choice. Is it not the truth that whoever takes over as
PM will drive manufacturing into the ground with their reckless
approach to Brexit and that the Secretary of State’s legacy will
sadly be decimated industries across our country?
If the hon. Lady talks to people in the sector, she will know
that the work we do with all companies in the sector is well
respected and well regarded, whether that is the Faraday
challenge or the support for individual companies such as we have
seen in recent years. That support is available to Ford just as
it is to any company working in the sector. As part of the work
we are doing with the Welsh Government, we will attract a new
investor to make use of those facilities and keep jobs for the
future.
In terms of the relationship with the European Union, most, if
not all, automotive suppliers want to see us reach a deal. That
is my view, and I hope it is the hon. Lady’s view. In fairness,
they have also said that the deal negotiated by the Prime
Minister should have been approved. It is therefore of regret to
me that that advice was not followed.
Intellectual Property
Mr (Maldon) (Con)
2. What steps he is taking to increase protections for
intellectual property. [911244]
The Minister for Energy and Clean Growth (Chris Skidmore)
As my right hon. Friend is aware, the UK is considered to have
one of the best intellectual property systems in the world, and
we work continually to help keep that position. The Intellectual
Property Office has committed in its recently published strategy
to working towards making infringement socially unacceptable. We
have commissioned research into consumer attitudes to counterfeit
goods in order to assist with that.
Mr Whittingdale
Is my hon. Friend aware that online piracy of video and music
content is still doing considerable damage to our creative
industries? In particular, beoutQ, based in Saudi Arabia, is
stealing content from a wide range of UK rights holders. Will he
see what further measures can be taken to tackle this problem?
Will he consider including economic harms in the scope of the
measures set out in the Government’s Online Harms White Paper?
Online piracy of any content is a key concern for the Government.
We are aware of the specific issues with beoutQ and raised the
matter with the Saudi Arabian Government. We will continue to
make representations about its alleged infringement of UK
creative content and support efforts to tackle piracy, wherever
it occurs. However, the White Paper is to have a targeted
approach that focuses on harms to individuals; it is not about
economic harm to businesses.
(Stalybridge and Hyde)
(Lab/Co-op)
It is not just in intellectual property where we need better
legal protections. My constituent Mr Michael McGrory of
Stalybridge recently took his employer to an employment tribunal
for unauthorised deduction of wages, for breach of contract and
for disability discrimination. He won his case but, rather than
pay up, the company went into liquidation. The same directors set
up the same business in the same premises under a different
company registration and name. As a result, Mr McGrory cannot get
his award enforced. Does the Minister agree that that is wrong?
If so, how might we change the company formation process to stop
that happening?
I have great sympathy with the hon. Gentleman’s constituent.
Obviously, we provide funding for the police intellectual
property crime unit, which has seen 94 investigations and
arrested or voluntarily interviewed 106 individuals recently. The
maximum criminal penalties for copyright infringement have
increased since 2017 from two years to 10 years. We are
determined to do more, which is why we have a conference with the
World Intellectual Property Organisation in London on 18 and 19
June, because we need an international response. I absolutely
agree with my right hon. Friend the Member for Maldon (Mr
Whittingdale): this is an international issue, and we need to
ensure that we take action.
Small Businesses: Morley and Outwood
(Morley and Outwood)
(Con)
3. What recent steps he has taken to support small businesses in
Morley and Outwood constituency. [911245]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy (Andrew Stephenson)
In the Leeds city region, 66 businesses in Morley and Outwood
have been directly supported, with £1 million in grant funding to
help them create nearly 200 jobs. The AD:Venture initiative,
which is available to start-ups in the first three years of
trading in the Leeds city region, provides grants of up to
£25,000. That is alongside a range of other support including
academic support and coaching.
My hon. Friend will know that in 2017 the UK was the second
biggest market in the EU for ultra low emission vehicles. Alfa
Power, a company in my constituency, is a fine example of British
engagement in the sector. What steps is he taking to further the
sector’s progress? Next time he is in Yorkshire, will he visit
Alfa Power to see the great work it is doing in electric charging
points throughout Yorkshire?
I should be delighted to visit. The Government are investing
nearly £1.5 billion until March 2021 to help to grow the market
for ultra-low-emission vehicles. Yesterday I was pleased to
announce £33 million of funding for the winners of the Advanced
Propulsion Centre’s 12th competition. These latest projects focus
on electrification and the future of low-emission vehicles as we
aim to advance the UK’s low-carbon capacity.
Mr (Huddersfield)
(Lab/Co-op)
I am sure that the members of the ministerial team know that
Huddersfield and Morley and Outwood are part of the dynamic Leeds
city region, but are they aware of the Power Up The North
campaign, which was launched this week? It needs to receive a lot
of interest. It is intended to help small businesses to grow even
faster and go further in our northern constituencies. Will the
Minister put his efforts behind it?
I am delighted about the Power Up The North campaign. I
wholeheartedly support it, and I am very pleased that my
Department has been bolstered by the addition of the
Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local
Government, my hon. Friend the Member for Rossendale and Darwen
(Jake Berry), who will help to further our work on the northern
powerhouse. The Government are investing £694 million in the
Leeds city region through growth deals, creating up to 10,000
jobs, allowing more than 2,000 homes to be built, and creating up
to £640 million in public and private investment.
(Glasgow East) (SNP)
rose—
(Kingston upon Hull West and
Hessle) (Lab) rose—
Mr Speaker
With all due respect to the indefatigability of the hon. Member
for Glasgow East (David Linden), it has to be said that Hull is
considerably nearer to the geographical sweet spot for the
purposes of this question than could ever be said of Glasgow
East.
Thank you, Mr Speaker. May I draw the Minister’s attention to
Hull, one of the great cities that are part of the northern
powerhouse? He is aware of the appalling way in which some of the
people working for Grotto Hire have been treated—those who were
not paid over Christmas. I have met the Under-Secretary of State
for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the hon. Member for
Rochester and Strood (Kelly Tolhurst), to discuss the issue. What
has the Department done to try to recover that money since our
last meeting?
I know that the hon. Lady has discussed the issue with my
ministerial colleague. I am not dealing with it personally, but I
should be more than happy to have a conversation with my hon.
Friend about it and come back to the hon. Lady.
(Sefton Central) (Lab)
The British Retail Consortium has reported that the high-street
footfall is at a six-year low. Town centre businesses across the
country are closing. Labour has a five-point plan to reinvigorate
our high streets, in stark contrast to the Government’s worn-out
platitudes and failure to act. Precisely when is the Minister
going to produce a plan—or will the Government just keep walking
by on the other side of the high street?
Mr Speaker
With particular reference to Morley and Outwood.
John has produced a plan for the
Government, and in successive Budgets we have announced record
support for the high street. There is £1.6 billion to help with
business rates, and an additional £675 million for the future
high streets fund.
Fuel Poverty: North-East
Mr (Jarrow) (Lab)
4. What recent steps he has taken to tackle fuel poverty in the
north-east. [911246]
The Minister for Energy and Clean Growth (Chris Skidmore)
As my right hon. Friend the Member for Devizes (Claire Perry) has
taken temporary ministerial leave of absence on compassionate
grounds, I shall be answering all the questions relating to
energy and clean growth today.
The Government made a manifesto commitment to tackle fuel poverty
by upgrading fuel-poor homes to energy efficiency band C by 2030.
Nearly 800,000 fewer fuel-poor households are living in the least
efficient homes than was the case in 2010. We have also refocused
the Government’s energy company obligation, and thousands of
homes in the north-east have been improved as a result.
Mr Hepburn
Because of cruel Tory benefit changes and rip-off prices, fuel
poverty in Jarrow has increased by 35% under this Government. Is
the Minister proud of the choice that the Tories have given
people, between heating and eating?
It should be borne in mind that the fuel poverty metric is
relative, which means that the number of people in fuel poverty
will always fluctuate between 10% and 12%. It is important to
focus on the average fuel poverty gap, which fell to £326 in 2016
from £341 in 2015.
(Truro and Falmouth) (Con)
rose—
Mr Speaker
Cornwall is a very considerable distance from the north-east, but
I think that the Minister just about broadened the question.
We have been making good progress in reducing fuel poverty in
Cornwall, but we could really do with some help with
supercharging that progress. When will the Government publish
their plan to deliver the excellent home energy efficiency
targets in the clean growth strategy? If we could do that, it
would save people, on average, about £400 a year.
I can confirm that that will be taking place very shortly.
Offshore Wind Supply: Rates of Pay
(Stockton North) (Lab)
5. What steps he is taking to tackle rates of pay in the offshore
wind supply chain that are below the national living wage.
[911247]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy (Kelly Tolhurst)
In the autumn the Government will introduce legislation to extend
the right to receive the national minimum wage to seafarers
operating in UK territorial seas. Any business, British or
otherwise, benefiting from consumer subsidies and the growth of
UK offshore wind has a clear moral responsibility to abide by the
spirit of UK employment law, even where operations take them
beyond the UK’s formal jurisdiction.
I think that is the most helpful answer I have had in this place
since I got elected nine years ago so I am grateful to the
Minister for that, but why do we have to wait until the autumn
when she could introduce secondary legislation now and close this
loophole now?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his supplementary question. This
is a complicated process; I have been working with my
counterparts in the Department for Transport and we are committed
to delivering this legislation in the autumn. As I mentioned at
previous questions sessions, we have also doubled our enforcement
on the national minimum wage and are determined to make sure we
are tackling all areas where people are not upholding the spirit
of UK employment law.
(Kingston upon Hull East)
(Lab)
It is disgraceful that P&O Ferries is employing Lithuanian
cooks sailing from Hull to Zeebrugge on the “Pride of York” at
€2.04 an hour. Filipino able-bodied seafarers crewing the “Pride
of Hull” are paid $4.45 an hour. Will the Minister meet me to see
what we can do together to stop these predatory capitalist
companies taking advantage of foreign crews? This amounts to
slave labour.
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this point, and he is
absolutely right: this is unacceptable, and I am more than happy
to meet him to discuss it. But I just want to reiterate that the
law is clear that any individual undertaking work in the UK is
entitled to receive the national minimum wage; this includes
workers in different sectors, which is why we are taking this
action, and we will be laying legislation in the autumn.
Shared Prosperity Fund
(North Ayrshire and Arran)
(SNP)
6. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on
the shared prosperity fund. [911248]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy (Jake Berry)
The Prime Minister recently appointed me as a joint Minister in
this Department and in my existing role in the Ministry of
Housing, Communities and Local Government. That shows the
Government’s commitment to drive forward the northern powerhouse,
which has always been a partnership between local government,
national Government, the industrial strategy and business. In
this role I will continue to hold regular meetings to discuss EU
exit, and the UK shared prosperity fund will remain a priority in
that.
Mr Speaker
This shows that the Minister is a very busy man with many
commitments and a very full diary.
The Prime Minister told me in December 2018 that a consultation
on the UK shared prosperity fund would take place by the end of
that year. The silence on progress with this fund to replace the
EU structural fund, worth €2.4 billion a year, is deafening and
the lack of detail and communication is shameful given that these
funds are designed to help all communities prosper. Once and for
all will the Secretary of State tell us when this fund will be
designed and implemented? Will it match current levels or is this
important fund going to be yet another casualty of Brexit?
The hon. Lady is absolutely right that this Government have set
forward our ambition to deliver a UK shared prosperity fund that
creates wealth, growth and jobs in all parts of our United
Kingdom. We have been clear that we will respect the devolution
settlement, and we have been absolutely clear that we will
consult the Scottish Government and other devolved Governments
before we start the consultation on that. But the hon. Lady does
not have to wait until then, because there have been meetings
between officials and over 500 stakeholders at 25 official events
across the country, and I am sure the hon. Lady will look forward
to taking part in future events.
(Preseli Pembrokeshire)
(Con)
The shared prosperity fund represents a really good opportunity
to improve the way in which we support poorer communities with
funding—far too much of the EU structural funding has been wasted
in the past—but will the Minister take this opportunity to scotch
some of the scaremongering that we have heard in recent days
about how the new shared prosperity fund will lead to a net loss
for places such as Wales and a net gain for the south-east? The
House of Commons Library has confirmed to me that this recent
study is based on unfair comparisons.
I would not question the authority, even-handedness and
open-mindedness of House of Commons Library. I would direct my
right hon. Friend the debate that took place in Westminster Hall
on 14 May, led by the hon. Member for Barnsley Central (Dan
Jarvis), in which colleagues and the Government set out in
considerable detail our ambition to drive jobs, growth and
prosperity in all parts of our United Kingdom through this fund.
(Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch
and Strathspey) (SNP)
Research from the independent Conference of Peripheral Maritime
Regions has shown that Scotland stands to lose nearly €1 billion
of funding if the UK Government do not match EU funding after
2020. Given what the Minister has said about his
responsibilities, will he tell us which of the 10 candidates for
Prime Minister have given guarantees to replace every penny of
this funding and retain Holyrood’s role in disbursing it?
It is welcome that the hon. Gentleman wants to play such an
active and full part in the Conservative leadership election, but
he knows, as I do, that decisions about the UK shared prosperity
fund, on quantum and all other matters, will be taken during the
comprehensive spending review and the consultation. I would say
to him that the Scottish Government must absolutely play their
part in being an advocate for the areas of Scotland that share
this Government’s ambition to create jobs, wealth and growth
through the UK shared prosperity fund, mirroring in many ways
what is being achieved through European funds.
The public will have heard that answer, which is clearly
insufficient and not good enough. The highlands and islands alone
stand to lose €180 million, and the Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has said that he is willing
to grab control of devolved spending. Is it any wonder that the
Scottish public are now looking to Scotland being an independent
nation state in Europe with an equal seat at the table, rather
than this shambles?
Well, Mr Speaker, if you want a strong demonstration that this
country is better together, you need look no further than the
highlands and islands growth deal, a partnership between the UK
Government and the Scottish Government that is changing lives for
people across the highlands and islands. That is a demonstration
in one Government policy of why this Union should stay together.
Small Businesses: Scotland
(Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock)
(Con)
7. What recent steps he has taken to support small businesses in
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock constituency. [911249]
(Dundee West) (SNP)
15. What recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of
State for Scotland on support for small and medium-sized
enterprises in Scotland. [911257]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy (Kelly Tolhurst)
We engage regularly with the Secretary of State for Scotland on
how we can achieve our industrial strategy aim to make the UK the
best place to start and grow a business. The British Business
Bank has supported 5,219 small and medium-sized enterprises in
Scotland with more than £898 million to date. My hon. Friend the
Member for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock (Bill Grant) will be pleased
to know that the bank’s start-up loans programme has delivered 61
loans totalling more than £253,000 in his constituency.
As the House is aware, high streets are under pressure as a
result of the changing retail landscape. Sadly, in Ayr, we lost
our independent department store, Hourstons, earlier this year.
It had been trading for 123 years. Will my hon. Friend outline
what support is available to local businesses to ensure that they
can remain at the heart of their communities?
I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting the loss of a department
store in his constituency. Let me assure him that the Minister
with responsibility for high streets—the Under-Secretary of State
for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, my hon. Friend the
Member for Rossendale and Darwen (Jake Berry)—and I are committed
to working together to support the businesses at the heart of our
communities across the country and to deliver the £1.6 billion
plan for our high streets, including via the Retail Sector
Council. The Ayrshire growth deal, with £103 million of UK
Government funding, in my hon. Friend’s constituency—of which he
has been a keen supporter—will also help the wider business
community.
The business growth accelerator suspends rates for new builds or
renovated properties for 12 months, and this Scotland-wide policy
has encouraged new development across the country. Is it not the
case that while Brexit is set to push the economy off the cliff,
the Scottish National party is the only party supporting
Scotland’s small businesses?
It will come as no surprise to the hon. Gentleman that I disagree
with him. UK Government investment in city region and growth
deals in Scotland is now more than £1.3 billion, and there are
48,000 more enterprises operating in Scotland than there were in
2010. We are committed to delivering economic growth and business
support across the country, but as the hon. Gentleman will know,
it was his Government’s decision to bring in the highest taxes—
Mr Speaker
Order. I call .
(Glasgow East) (SNP)
21. Some employees in small businesses, including those in Ayr,
Carrick and Cumnock, will face the prospect of having a child
born premature or sick, so why will the Minister not release the
findings of the recent Government review into parental leave for
such issues, which would help families in Ayr, Carrick and
Cumnock and right across these islands? [911263]
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising this topic.
Following the Department’s internal review, we will now consult
on the options to provide further support to the parents of
premature, sick and multiple babies before the end of the summer.
The consultation will be informed by the review’s findings, and I
am grateful to Bliss, The Smallest Things and the many Members
across the House who have spoken to me and lobbied on the matter.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Targets
(Oxford West and Abingdon)
(LD)
8. With reference to the report entitled, “Net Zero: The UK’s
contribution to stopping global warming”, published by the
Committee on Climate Change on 2 May 2019, what assessment he has
made of the adequacy of the Government’s greenhouse gas emissions
targets. [911250]
The Minister for Energy and Clean Growth (Chris Skidmore)
I join colleagues from across the House in welcoming the
Committee’s seminal report on net zero. The UK’s record in
tackling climate change is world leading, and the CCC’s report
sets out a path for us to continue that legacy by becoming the
first major economy to legislate to end our contribution to
global warming. The Government recognise the need for urgent
action on climate change, which is why we asked for this advice
last October, and we will respond in a timeframe that reflects
that urgency.
I am sure that, like me, many Members receive beautifully
handwritten letters from schoolchildren. Nine-year-old Elizabeth
from West Oxford Community Primary School says:
“Words are not enough—urgent action is needed within the next
decade if the world is going to survive as we know it.”
Out of the mouths of babes—but not all of them are learning about
climate change. Will the Minister work with the Department for
Education to ensure that all children, including those at key
stages 1 and 2, learn about this incredibly important matter?
I certainly have the opportunity to do so, because I also sit in
the Department for Education as Universities Minister. The
Secretary of State for Education is keen to highlight that
climate change is taught in schools, but I will pass on the hon.
Lady’s comments about ensuring that the next generation continue
to learn about the urgency with which we need to tackle climate
change.
(Gordon) (Con)
We recently went for two weeks without using coal in our
electricity mix, largely due to the use of lower greenhouse
gas-emitting natural gas. Does my hon. Friend remain committed to
the North sea oil and gas industry, which supports 120,000 jobs
in Scotland and 280,000 across the United Kingdom as a whole?
My hon. Friend hits upon a crucial point. If we are to have clean
growth and a sustainable pathway towards net zero, we must ensure
that we continue to use gas. We have weaned ourselves off coal,
and it is remarkable that we went 18 days and seven hours without
coal—not that I was counting. Anyone can follow the reduction in
the use of coal over the past seven years, which has happened
because we have been able to adapt and put gas back on the
market. Going forward, we will have to ensure that we invest in a
multitude of energy sources, including solar and other
renewables, but gas will be a vital part of the mix in a
sustainable transition.
(Sheffield Central)
(Lab)
23. Last month, this House declared a climate emergency and
called on the Government to“set ambitious, short-term targets for
the roll-out of renewable and low carbon energy and
transport”.Will the Minister outline what he has done to set and
achieve those targets? [911265]
It is incredibly important that the Government are committed to
publishing an energy White Paper this summer. As for targets, we
have already taken forward the grand challenges of setting out
missions for transport and buildings, for example. Clean
buildings are incredibly important, because 28 million buildings
make up 25% of all carbon emissions. We are beginning that work,
and we will be putting bids together in the run-up to the
spending review that reflect the grand challenges and those
missions.
(Redditch) (Con)
Does my hon. Friend agree with the CBI, which says that the
Labour party’s plans to renationalise the energy system are
already harming our efforts to tackle climate change? What
commitments will he make about continuing to reduce our emissions
to zero?
Mr Speaker
Yes, but do not bang on about the Opposition’s policy. That is
not the Minister’s responsibility. We can hear a brief word about
the Government’s policy. The trouble with following briefings
from outside organisations is that they can lead Members astray.
I think the key point is that the reforms that have led to the
reduction in the use of coal over the past seven years have been
taken forward using a market-based strategy. That was highlighted
last week in a report by the International Energy Agency, which
praised the UK’s commitments to addressing climate change by
using market-based approaches.
(Leeds West) (Lab)
We have a moral obligation to bring our carbon emissions down to
net zero, and there are real economic and social benefits in
doing so. Although the Chancellor has expressed his scepticism,
despite the fact that we face a climate catastrophe, will the
Minister offer real leadership and commit the Government to
supporting the Bill I will be presenting to the House this
afternoon to bring down our carbon emissions to net zero by 2050?
I will certainly be present to listen to the hon. Lady’s Bill. I
want to make that commitment, but I recognise that across this
House, across all parties, we cannot do this simply by taking a
party political approach. It was her Government that passed the
landmark Climate Change Act 2008, which introduced the carbon
budgets that now allow us to adapt the legislation to look
towards net zero.
There must be a whole Government approach, and I want to be able
to work towards that. When it comes to looking at carbon budgets
and the baselines, those are specific issues on which I want to
work with the Committee on Climate Change. I look forward to
hearing the hon. Lady’s Bill, on which we all want to move
forward together.
(Brent North) (Lab)
I welcome the Minister to his new responsibilities while the
right hon. Member for Devizes (Claire Perry) is on compassionate
leave. We hope the right hon. Lady makes a speedy return to the
House.
Assuming the Government will do the right thing and legislate for
net zero by 2050, in line with the recommendations of the
Committee on Climate Change, why has the Minister decided to
weaken the third carbon budget by carrying over surplus emissions
from the second carbon budget, against the committee’s specific
advice?
While the Minister is at the Dispatch Box, perhaps he will
confirm that net zero can be achieved within the current cost
envelope for an 80% reduction of 1% to 2% of GDP. The
Chancellor’s claim of £1 trillion spuriously adds together all
the costs over the next 21 years and fails to subtract any of the
benefits or savings.
It is important to put on record the content of the Government’s
letter to the Committee on Climate Change. After careful
consideration of the committee’s advice, the Government decided
to hold in reserve a small proportion of over performance from
carbon budget 2—88 megatonnes of a total over performance of 384
megatonnes. The reserve will act solely as a contingency.
[Interruption.] I have 384 megatonnes, but I will happily correct
the record when I look at the statistics. Eighty-eight megatonnes
are being held in reserve and act solely as a contingency against
changes in the baseline. This will be released once it is clear
that it will not be needed to address any technical changes to
the baseline. We have also asked the Committee on Climate Change
to look at those technical changes. We would not have asked the
committee to take forward work on net zero if we did not believe
we will be able to implement this.
When it comes to the cost reduction, I entirely agree with the
hon. Gentleman that costs have come down on technology and will
continue to come down. The Committee on Climate Change has made
it clear that it can be done within the envelope of 1% to 2% of
GDP, as set out for the 80% reduction.
Post Office Services: Rural Areas
(St Ives) (Con)
9. What steps he is taking to ensure that people can access post
office services in rural areas. [911251]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy (Kelly Tolhurst)
The Government absolutely recognise the importance of post
offices to rural communities across the UK. There are over 11,500
post offices nationwide, and Government subsidy safeguards post
offices, which can be the last shop in the village, so that they
can continue to serve their communities. The Post Office
delivered almost £10 million of investment via the community fund
between 2014 and 2018 to facilitate rural community branches to
invest in their retail businesses.
I thank the Minister for her response but, unfortunately, there
is one fewer post office today, as Porthleven post office in west
Cornwall closes. Six months ago, the Minister said from the
Dispatch Box that, guided by the Post Office, a mobile service
will be available in west Cornwall to deal with the nine post
offices that have so far closed and are now no longer available.
Can she please tell me when we will get that mobile service so
that people can once again access post office services?
I thank my hon. Friend, who has long been a campaigner for post
offices in his region. It is true that west Cornwall communities
have been unduly inconvenienced, and he is right that the Post
Office is now waiting for Cornwall Council to issue a formal
permit to formalise the agreement. I have been assured that, due
to the closure of Porthleven post office this morning, there will
be a weekly mobile service in place very shortly. I just want to
highlight that, with such a diverse network in many different
locations and settings, it is true that some post offices will
close due to unforeseen circumstances and lots of other reasons.
It is important that the Post Office keeps up with that challenge
to make sure our communities are well served.
(Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op)
With banks closing their rural branches, post offices are the
last places where people can access cash. However, as I know from
the experience of Pontllanfraith in my constituency, it is
increasingly difficult to replace postmasters who give up their
tenancy. What can the Government do to work with the Post Office
to encourage more people to take up postmaster and postmistress
jobs?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising that matter. A key part of
what the Post Office has done is to renegotiate the banking
framework, which has seen remuneration for postmasters increase
significantly—it has doubled, and trebled in some cases. On
Thursday, I will be hosting a meeting with Post Office Ltd and
the National Federation of SubPostmasters, where we are hoping to
tackle some of the issues about the economic viability of
sub-post offices.
(Shrewsbury and Atcham)
(Con)
25. Condover post office in my constituency is a classic example
of the very important services that these companies provide to
our constituents in rural areas. Now that we are moving towards
running a balanced budget, will the Minister work with the
Exchequer to ensure that every assistance is provided through the
taxation system for these very important post offices? [911267]
My hon. Friend is right: Government have a responsibility to
ensure that we work together across Government to ensure that
services can be provided through the post office. We must
celebrate the fact that the Post Office, for the first time in a
number of years, has become profitable. We have the most stable
network in decades. Under the last Labour Government, over 7,000
branches shut. We are making sure that we maintain the number of
post offices; in fact, we have opened 400 since 2017.
(Westmorland and Lonsdale)
(LD)
One of the silver linings of the decision of the high street
banks to abandon our town centres is that post offices are now
able to pick up that slack. The Minister said earlier that she
was meeting with Post Office Ltd and that the income that
postmasters get from banking transactions has trebled. The
reality is that they are getting a few pence for every £1,000 of
work that they do for the banks, so a trebling is still a
pittance. Will she ensure that the banks remunerate our post
offices for, basically, doing the work that they have left
behind?
The hon. Gentleman makes a good point about banks moving away
from our high streets and the post offices picking up the slack.
That is why I am proud of what Post Office Ltd has done in
negotiating this new framework. I disagree with him when he says
that what postmasters receive is a pittance. In fact, the
remuneration has doubled or trebled; it has increased
significantly. The Post Office will also be bringing that
forward: it will be remunerating postmasters from October, rather
than January, when the framework comes into place.
(Sheffield, Brightside and
Hillsborough) (Lab)
The new report by a representative group of sub-postmasters notes
that a fifth of sub-postmasters are planning to leave the
profession, due to increasing financial pressures—indeed we have
heard, from different sources, of postmasters earning well below
the minimum wage. The result could be the closure of 2,500
branches, threatening the viability and sustainability of the
entire network. What discussions has the Minister had with the
Post Office to ensure that sub-postmasters are getting a fair
deal? Will she urge the Post Office to look at contingency plans
to ensure that such closures do not occur?
It is true that Members across the House care deeply about our
Post Office, and so do the Government. The number of branches
remains at its most stable for a decade. To give the hon. Lady
some reassurance, my meetings on Thursday will include one of the
formal meetings held quarterly—with ministerial oversight—between
Post Office Ltd and the National Federation of SubPostmasters to
tackle some of the key issues.
I reiterate at the Dispatch Box that Post Office Ltd will be
undertaking a review of pay, which will report back in the
autumn. I agree that any sub-postmaster who wants to take on a
post office franchise must be able to do so in the knowledge that
it is financially viable. We are supporting them, and the Post
Office is supporting them, to serve their communities.
Scottish Business Support: Leaving the EU
Dr (Central Ayrshire)
(SNP)
10. What recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the
Exchequer on fiscal support for businesses in Scotland preparing
for the UK leaving the EU. [911252]
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy (Greg Clark)
The UK Government have provided the Scottish Government with
almost £100 million to prepare for EU exit, alongside funding to
support businesses with training and IT improvements. As we have
heard in this question session, we have also supported businesses
in Scotland through the city deals programme, including over £100
million for the Ayrshire growth deal in the hon. Lady’s
constituency, which I know she welcomes.
Dr Whitford
I do welcome that, but an Ernst & Young report shows that,
although 74% of Scottish firms have taken steps to get ready for
Brexit, only 8% feel fully prepared. As 30% of manufactured goods
go to the EU, will the Secretary of State accept the Institute of
Directors’ call for £750 million to provide a Brexit advice
service for small firms?
I work closely with the Institute of Directors and other business
organisations to make sure that information is available to their
members and others. We will continue to do that over the months
ahead, but it remains my ambition that we should have a deal that
allows us to continue the successful trade that the hon. Lady
mentions.
Mr (Wantage) (Con)
Hear, hear! Well said.
Mr Speaker
Contain yourself, man. I am always grateful to the right hon.
Gentleman for the provision of the voice of Wantage.
Solar Power
(Norwich South) (Lab)
11. What plans he has to help ensure that solar power is (a)
accessible to and (b) affordable for all households. [911253]
(Moray) (Con)
19. What plans he has to help ensure that solar power is (a)
accessible to and (b) affordable for all households. [911261]
(Bath) (LD)
20. What plans he has to help ensure that solar power is (a)
accessible to and (b) affordable for all households. [911262]
The Minister for Energy and Clean Growth (Chris Skidmore)
I am pleased to inform hon. Members that yesterday the Government
launched their smart export guarantee, which will ensure that all
small-scale generators are paid for the power they export to the
grid. Supported by Government investment, residential solar
installations are now 50% cheaper than they were in 2011 and,
alongside technologies such as batteries, will help consumers to
export energy to the grid when it is needed, reducing their bills
and making solar more accessible and affordable than ever before.
With all due respect, only this Government could dress up a 94%
collapse in domestic solar installations as a success. They now
plan to slap 20% VAT on solar and storage and to replace the
certainty of the feed-in tariff export payments with a
lick-and-a-promise scheme with no certain payment rates and no
guaranteed periods. Why does the Minister not just admit that, as
ever, the Tories always side with big and dirty rather than with
clean and local?
The hon. Gentleman mentioned the drop in solar installations,
which came about at the end of the feed-in tariff scheme. March
was a record month for installations in the last two years, as we
saw a rush for applications before the scheme closed. We had a
question earlier about fuel poverty, and the point about the
feed-in tariff is that, although it was important at the time and
helped 850,000 people to use solar panels on their households, it
was going to cost £30 billion, which would mean an average of £14
on every single household’s bill. We must now look into moving
forward so that we can take a locally adopted position and ensure
that we can generate a market.
I will try to be more positive than the hon. Member for Norwich
South (Clive Lewis), but there has been concern among the
industry, including AS Solar, about the proposed changes for
reduced rate VAT for energy-saving materials. This presents a
roadblock for many of the 60% of households that hope one day to
get photovoltaic and battery storage, so will the Minister meet
me urgently to discuss the matter to ensure that the solar
industry gets this support from the Government?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising those points, which reflect
what the hon. Member for Norwich South (Clive Lewis) mentioned in
the previous question. This obviously comes on the back of a
specific European Court of Justice ruling. I understand Members’
concerns and sympathise with the industry, but I reassure the
House that VAT continues to be zero rated for installations on
new build housing. I will happily meet my hon. Friend to discuss
the opportunities for future change.
I welcome the timely launch of the smart export guarantee
yesterday, but many people will be disappointed by the decision
not to set a minimum floor price to protect consumers and the
domestic solar market. Under the proposals, it will be left to
suppliers to set tariffs. If it becomes apparent that the market
is failing to sustain fair remuneration for households that
export to the grid, how swiftly can we expect the Government to
intervene?
The export market is clearly developing, and it is important to
recognise that several suppliers are beginning to offer trial
export tariffs, either in line with the wholesale price or at the
same level or higher than the feed-in tariff export guarantee
rate. Those suppliers include Octopus and Bulb, which have
welcomed the changes. It is important that the policy can develop
so that we can make sure that we see future development.
Mr Speaker
Lateral thinking, I say to the hon. Member for North West
Leicestershire (Andrew Bridgen). Solar power and engineering are
not altogether unrelated; with a degree of imagination, the hon.
Gentleman could shoehorn his inquiry into this matter.
(North West Leicestershire)
(Con)
22. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Does my hon. Friend agree that we
should be doing more to enhance technical education and
engineering, and that one of the best ways to do that will be
with T-levels? What impact does he think they will have? [911264]
There are currently around 400,000 green jobs in the UK, and that
number could more than quadruple to 2 million by 2030, so it is
vital that we invest in skills. One of my priorities is to set
out our mission to invest in technology for the future.
(Ynys Môn) (Lab)
Solar power is an important part of the energy mix. What plans do
the Government have to help community groups to ensure that
community buildings are built to be self-sufficient by producing
their own electricity and selling to the grid, and to put solar
panels on the roofs of Government buildings?
There are a number of pilots on community buildings that we will
be taking forward but, specifically, the smart export guarantee
ensures that providers with up to 5 MW of production of solar
electricity can export back to the grid. If we consider
Blackfriars railway station—there is about 5 MW there—we can see
the opportunity for community halls and community infrastructures
to sell their energy back to the grid.
Business Growth: North of England
(Manchester Central)
(Lab/Co-op)
12. What steps he is taking to support business growth in the
north of England. [911254]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing,
Communities and Local Government (Jake Berry)
The industrial strategy is driving the northern powerhouse across
the north of England. Our Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund,
which recently celebrated its second anniversary, has invested
directly in northern businesses: £104 million, supporting 410
small and medium-sized enterprises.
I thank the Minister for his answer. I would also like to see
Ministers throw their weight behind the Power Up The North
campaign but, given that the current Prime Minister banned all
mention of the northern powerhouse when she took office and that
most of the candidates to succeed her are southern MPs, and one
is a former Mayor of London, is there not a real risk that the
northern powerhouse agenda will fall off a cliff with a new Tory
Prime Minister?
I fully support the Power Up The North campaign. Modesty
precludes me from saying that its proposal that the northern
powerhouse Minister be a full Cabinet position should be
considered by all future leaders of the Conservative party. I
hope that, when the hon. Lady goes back to her constituency, she
will channel “Monty Python’s Life of Brian” and say that, apart
from the £7 billion devolution deal, the £38 million contribution
towards a Graphene centre, a £10 million relief road, a £15
million international screen school, the £5 million Pankhurst
Centre and a £243 million transport fund for people in Greater
Manchester and her constituency—what has the northern powerhouse
ever done for us?
(Cleethorpes) (Con)
Business growth in northern Lincolnshire would receive a major
setback if the Scunthorpe steelworks were to close. Will the
Minister give an assurance that Government support will continue
until a buyer is found?
I know that the Secretary of State and my ministerial colleague,
my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Andrew Stephenson), are
working tirelessly to support the steel industry across the
country and I know that they will continue to look at how they
can support Grimsby steel.
(Newcastle upon Tyne Central)
(Lab)
In the north, European structural funds helped to create 70,000
jobs and 16,000 new businesses between 2007 and 2013. The
Minister’s complacent and lackadaisical refusal to divulge any
details of the shared prosperity fund raises real doubts that
this will be a true replacement for those vital funds enabling
significant regional decision making. So will he put the north
above party infighting, help power up the north and commit to
giving details of that fund before the end of the Tory leadership
election?
I agree with the hon. Lady that people like me and her, who have
been born and brought up in the north of England for our entire
lives, can see that European structural funds have made a real
difference. That is why this Government, with their UK shared
prosperity fund, are absolutely committed to driving jobs and
growth not least across the north of England. On the consultation
on the shared prosperity fund, 500 stakeholders have been
consulted so far at 25 events and that has included consultation
by me with the northern metro mayors and all other mayors. I look
forward to working with the new North of Tyne Mayor in Newcastle
not least on this but also to discuss how he can spend £345
million—
Topical Questions
(St Ives) (Con)
T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental
responsibilities. [911268]
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy (Greg Clark)
Since our previous questions, we have launched the west midlands
local industrial strategy in Coventry, building on the region’s
reputation for excellence in low-emissions vehicles, with further
funding for the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre. Shortly
after the recommendation by the Committee on Climate Change that
we legislate to reach net zero emissions by 2050, Britain enjoyed
its first ever coal-free fortnight since the industrial
revolution. We will make our response to the committee’s report
shortly to reaffirm our commitment to leadership in this
important endeavour.
Most of us have hospitals, schools, council buildings and police
stations in our constituencies. What more can the Government do
to encourage the use of renewable energy in those buildings?
My hon. Friend makes an excellent point on behalf of one of the
sunnier parts of the country. The public sector energy efficiency
loans scheme is open to public bodies so that they are able to
invest in just that technology. I will ensure that he has the
full details of that scheme, which might also interest the hon.
Member for Ynys Môn (Albert Owen), given his question.
(Greenwich and Woolwich)
(Lab)
T4. The International Development Secretary recently said that he
wants to double the UK’s current £1.1 billion commitment to the
UN green climate fund. As the UK is yet to do so, will the
Minister who has temporary responsibility for our engagement with
the UN climate talks assure us today that it is the Government’s
intention to commit additional money to the fund? [911273]
The Minister for Energy and Clean Growth (Chris Skidmore)
Obviously, any decision on future funds will be made within the
spending review, but I can absolutely say that it is vital that
we work cross-departmentally to look at how we can harness all
the resources of Government towards tackling climate change. The
Secretary of State for International Development has made that
commitment personally, and I can double down on that commitment
to ensure that we tackle climate change in the poorest countries
in the world.
(Burton) (Con)
T2. The Office for Product Safety and Standards undertook a
thorough review of the modification of Whirlpool tumble dryers.
However, there still remain great concerns about not only the
straightness of Whirlpool, but whether people have unsafe
products in their homes. Can the Minister update us on what is
happening in relation to Whirlpool? [911270]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy (Kelly Tolhurst)
I recognise the key role that my hon. Friend played in
instigating the review when he was in post. Consumer safety is a
Government priority and I assure him that we have kept
Whirlpool’s action under review. I can tell the House that we
have informed Whirlpool of our intention to serve a recall notice
as the next step of the regulatory process. This is unprecedented
action.
Mr (Coventry South) (Lab)
T7. I have two universities in my constituency that work very
closely with businesses to develop technology. Can the Minister
assure me that the Augar review will not lead to funding cuts at
these universities, as they get funding from different sources?
[911276]
The Government have been clear in our response to the Augar
review that we want to reflect on its recommendations. We will
take this forward as part of the spending review while the
post-18 review reaches its conclusions. I entirely agree with the
hon. Gentleman that the future of research in this country is
about ensuring that universities act as magnets to draw business
in. Just yesterday, I attended the launch of the University of
Bath’s Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems at
the Bristol and Bath Science Park. It is absolutely right that we
must cherish universities’ research capabilities.
Mr Speaker
I call . Oh dear; she has beetled
out of the Chamber. I therefore call .
(Waveney) (Con)
T5. With town centres such as that of Lowestoft facing serious
challenges, will the Minister confirm that she is working with
the Treasury and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local
Government to put in place a fairer system of business taxation?
[911274]
My officials are in regular contact with the Treasury and MHCLG
to represent the views of business. Last week, we welcomed the
Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy, my hon. Friend the Member for Rossendale and Darwen
(Jake Berry), to BEIS so he now holds ministerial roles in this
Department and in MHCLG, as Minister for the northern powerhouse
and local growth. This further strengthens our relationship. We
look forward to continuing to work together to support these
businesses and make proper representations to the Treasury.
(Aberavon) (Lab)
T8. British steel companies pay twice as much as their French
competitors for energy and 50% more than German companies. What
action will the Government take to enable the British steel
industry to compete without having one hand tied behind its back?
[911277]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy (Andrew Stephenson)
I regularly speak with a range of steel companies. Since 2013 the
Government have provided more than £291 million to the steel
sector for the costs of renewables and climate change policies,
including over £53 million compensation during 2018.
(York Outer) (Con)
T6. York Instruments, based in my constituency, is doing
ground-breaking work developing advanced medical devices,
attracting £10 million of private investment from the US to
sustain 41 high-skilled jobs. Can the Government assure me that
they are doing everything possible to facilitate this kind of
investment, which can be very difficult for some small businesses
to navigate? [911275]
I can indeed, and I commend my hon. Friend for bringing this
matter to the attention of the House. The life sciences sector
deal has provided a means for investment to take place right
across the sector. In fact, that deal has been so successful that
we are on the second version of it, and further investments will
be announced shortly.
(High Peak) (Lab)
What has the Department done to monitor the growth of short-hours
contracts in supermarkets, which have led 76% of USDAW members on
low pay to rely on unsecured loans to pay everyday bills, with
63% believing that financial worries are affecting their mental
health? Will the Secretary of State meet USDAW to discuss its
recent survey in detail?
I am happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss this, but I would
like to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to upgrade workers’
rights, protecting the most vulnerable workers. Our legal
framework already ensures that employers should always treat
their employees fairly, and our good work plan will introduce the
biggest upgrade in workers’ rights in a generation. In the retail
sector specifically, the industry-led Retail Sector Council has
identified that employment is a key priority for the workstream
and we will be discussing that on 20 June.
(Thirsk and Malton)
(Con)
At the last BEIS questions, my right hon. Friend the Business
Secretary gave a positive response to my suggestion of a
wide-scale roll-out of solar on every public sector
building—every school, hospital and prison. Is he interested in
taking that proposal forward?
I am indeed. I set out to my hon. Friend a means by which that
can be financed. In our response to the Climate Change
Committee’s report, we will be setting out further measures that
we can take to accelerate our decarbonisation.
(Strangford) (DUP)
Will the Minister outline what steps her Department has taken to
ensure that free ATM services are retained in rural areas?
Absolutely. Access to free cashpoints is an important part of our
high streets and I personally, as a constituency MP, have made
representations on that to the banking sector. However, through
the post office network, we already have a great deal for
offering cashpoints in post offices with the Bank of Ireland. I
hope to make sure that Post Office Ltd extends that service. We
continue to campaign and talk to the Treasury to make sure that
we still offer those cashpoint services.
(Hitchin and Harpenden)
(Con)
The Secretary of State knows that Rothamsted Research in
Harpenden does amazing work in agricultural science. Many people
at Rothamsted have expressed to me their concern about the nature
and the amount of science funding after we leave the European
Union. Will the Secretary of State give me an update as to where
we have got to on that as a Government?
I completely recognise the excellence at Rothamsted, of which my
hon. Friend is a great champion. One of the advantages of
concluding a deal with the rest of the European Union is that we
will be able to continue to participate in science projects that
are of disproportionate benefit to the UK.
(Darlington) (Lab)
Yesterday, I spoke to the chief executive of Arcadia Group about
the Top Shop, Top Man and Dorothy Perkins stores in Darlington.
Tomorrow, there is a CVA—company voluntary arrangement—meeting
where we could see the loss of 18,000 jobs nationwide. I know
that the Government cannot intervene in the process, but what are
they going to do to protect communities who could be affected by
this decision?
The hon. Lady raises an important point about the viability of
some of the retail outlets that are operating on our high
streets. She is absolutely right that it is concerning when we
are looking at any closures of retail names on our high streets.
We stand ready to do what we can, along with my colleagues in
MHCLG, if closures occur. As I have already outlined, we are
working with the Retail Sector Council. We are committed to
making sure that we work with the retail sector and high streets
to make sure that we can truly grow our high streets and protect
retail for the future.
Mr (Wantage) (Con)
A small amount of funding would unlock the growth of Harwell
campus in my constituency via the Nuclear Decommissioning
Authority. Will the Secretary of State, who knows Harwell campus
well, meet me and the NDA there to discuss how we can get on and
build Park and Way, and drive this successful
science campus to help growth post Brexit?
I have no aspirations to such recognition, but I am very happy to
meet my right hon. Friend to discuss the further opportunities
for what is one of the foremost innovation campuses in the whole
world.
(Glasgow Central)
(SNP)
The Scottish Government’s consultation on fireworks closed last
month, having received 16,000 responses. Can the Minister update
us on the UK Government’s action on fireworks, and can she
guarantee that my constituents in Pollokshields will not have to
suffer as they did last November?
I would be grateful to discuss the consultation outcomes with the
hon. Lady. As she will know, the Office for Product Safety and
Standards is undertaking a review, and I will happily update her
when we have the results.
(North East Derbyshire)
(Con)
At a recent Public Accounts Committee sitting, the issue of
fracking and specifically the decommissioning of fracking sites
was raised, and the answers from senior civil servants were not
great. Will the Minister meet me, so that we can discuss those
concerns in more detail?
I know that this issue affects my hon. Friend’s constituency
directly and that he is a dedicated constituency MP, so I will
happily meet him to discuss it.
(Great Grimsby) (Lab)
The loss of Novartis from the South Humber bank will lead to 400
job losses. Will the Secretary of State appoint one of his
Ministers to a taskforce, to find a new buyer for the site?
As the hon. Lady knows, I am always keen to ensure that we take
every step we can to preserve the continuity of skilled people,
and I would be happy to do that.
(Corby) (Con)
The excellent new Minister has been a strong supporter of the new
UK steel charter. Will he update the House on the progress he has
made in getting it adopted across Government?
I thank my hon. Friend for his question. After signing the UK
steel charter on behalf of my Department, I have written to
several other Departments, encouraging them to support this
excellent initiative.
(York Central)
(Lab/Co-op)
Only a fifth of York Central development is earmarked for
economic development, which will seriously curtail the
opportunities for business growth, inward investment and good
jobs for York. Following my discussions with the Minister and
stakeholders, will he consider a new proposal for York Central?
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy
and Industrial Strategy (Jake Berry)
The hon. Lady is aware that this planning decision is currently
with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local
Government for determination. She has had the opportunity to meet
me and make representations, and I will meet my hon. Friend the
Member for York Outer (Julian Sturdy) later today.
(Paisley and Renfrewshire
North) (SNP)
Many of my constituents who are customers of HELMS—Home Energy
and Lifestyle Management Systems—have been utterly failed by
ineptly regulated green energy incentive schemes. The decision to
remove the feed-in tariff for solar energy microgeneration, in
tandem with the proposal to apply VAT to more energy-saving
materials, including solar panels, will do nothing to support the
public, the industry or the environment. Will the Minister
reconsider those retrograde steps, which fly in the face of our
climate emergency declaration?
I simply disagree that this is a retrograde step. The smart
export guarantee, which we announced yesterday and will legislate
for, will create a market to ensure that small providers of
renewable energy will be able to sell back their electricity to
the grid and make a profit. As I have mentioned, feed-in tariffs
will cost £30 billion over their lifetime, putting £14 on the
bills of every household. If that is what the hon. Gentleman
wants, as opposed to creating a market that will benefit those
using solar panels, I do not know why he is here.
(Stoke-on-Trent Central)
(Lab/Co-op)
The Secretary of State is no doubt waiting for the new Prime
Minister to authorise him to announce the UK ceramic sector deal.
While that is being worked out, what conversations is he having
with the Department for International Trade about supporting the
anti-dumping measures that are currently being considered in
Europe?
As the hon. Gentleman knows, I am a strong supporter of the
proposed sector deal, and in the draft tariff schedule that was
published particular attention was given to the strong
representations of the ceramics industry.
(Walthamstow) (Lab/Co-op)
I have been inundated with complaints from local residents about
a second-hand car sales company in my community that variously
goes by the names BD Trade Sales, Leabridge Motors, Diamond
Motors and many more. Members may be aware of its work from
programmes such as “Rogue Traders”, “Don’t Get Done, Get Dom”,
“Watchdog” and “The Sheriffs Are Coming”. Despite the evidence
about how it is ripping off consumers, the council, trading
standards and the police have not been able to stop it. Will the
Minister meet me to talk about what we can do to hold these
phoenix companies to account, so that we get dodgy cars off the
roads and get consumers a better deal?
I am grateful for the hon. Lady’s offer to meet me to discuss
this issue, which I am keen to do. I hope that when we are in a
position to make announcements in the consumer White Paper, we
will be able to do exactly that—tackle some of the consumer
detriment that we see across the country. I look forward to
meeting her to discuss that.
(Broxtowe) (Change UK)
The Secretary of State has quite properly described a no-deal
Brexit as “a disaster” for British business. Will he commit to
continuing to do everything he can to prevent a no-deal Brexit,
whoever the Conservative party choose as our next Prime Minister?
I strongly believe that it is very much in our interests to have
a deal that allows us to continue to trade with the rest of the
European Union. The voices in countless industries could not be
clearer that they depend for their prosperity on that, and I will
do everything I can to represent that view in Government in the
interests of the livelihoods of millions of people right across
the country.
