Debates between Alex Burghart and Michael Gove during the 2017-2019 Parliament

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alex Burghart and Michael Gove
Thursday 18th October 2018

(6 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Alex Burghart Portrait Alex Burghart (Brentwood and Ongar) (Con)
- Hansard - -

3. What recent discussions he has had with representatives of the water companies on their performance.

Michael Gove Portrait The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Michael Gove)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

The water regulators—Ofwat, the Environment Agency and the Drinking Water Inspectorate—hold regular discussions with water companies about their performance. I recently had the opportunity to address water companies at the Water UK conference, and most recently I met representatives from the industry on 31 July to discuss their performance and, indeed, underperformance.

Alex Burghart Portrait Alex Burghart
- Hansard - -

I thank the Secretary of State for that response and congratulate him on the work he has done to put pressure on water companies to close down their offshore arrangements. Will he continue to hold them to account?

Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

Absolutely. Water companies have taken advantage of offshore arrangements, which may have been in the interests of some of those who receive dividends, but have not been in the interests of consumers. Those arrangements are now ending.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Alex Burghart and Michael Gove
Thursday 7th December 2017

(6 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I commend my hon. Friend for his campaigning on this issue, and, as he points out, as we leave the EU there are opportunities to review and change our approach to live exports, and to ensure higher standards of animal welfare.

Alex Burghart Portrait Alex Burghart (Brentwood and Ongar) (Con)
- Hansard - -

6. What steps he is taking to maintain the economic viability of farming after the UK has left the EU.