Debates between Lord Beith and Earl of Minto during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Wed 17th May 2023

Car Industry

Debate between Lord Beith and Earl of Minto
Wednesday 17th May 2023

(1 year, 6 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Earl of Minto Portrait The Earl of Minto (Con)
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I thank my noble friend for the points he made and appreciate his relationship with those key African states. In the challenges we face with EV manufacturing, any form of help can be only welcomed and supported. I would very much like to meet him and see what can be done.

Lord Beith Portrait Lord Beith (LD)
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My Lords, is the Minister confident that batteries for electric cars will be produced at the site north of Blyth which was earlier identified for that purpose? If so, when?

Earl of Minto Portrait The Earl of Minto (Con)
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My Lords, I cannot give a direct answer. I will write to the noble Lord later, but I assure him that the Government are absolutely on it. I completely understand that the whole question of batteries and trying to resolve this country of origin issue is fundamental to the future of automotive manufacturing in this country.