Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Mann and Baroness Coffey

Thursday 9th May 2019 Commons Chamber

[Dr Coffey]

We have publicised the grant scheme on social media and fundraising community websites, and there have been more than 70 expressions of interest. The National Association of Local Councils has been informed, and I am sure that it will use its networks to advertise the scheme. I should point out that the deadline for applications is March 2020. The funds may already have been allocated by then, so we want to encourage as many village halls as possible to get on with their project proposals.

[John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab)]

Bassetlaw will be happy to pioneer the green energy policy in village halls, along with the Secretary of State and the Government. We offer all our village halls to the Government, so that, with Government funds, they can work together to become carbon-neutral, and villages can see the benefits—

--- Later in debate ---

[John Mann]

The question, Mr Speaker, is this: does the Minister agree that such a partnership would be in the national interest?

[Dr Coffey]

The Government have already done that extensively in village halls, but I am sure that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Energy and Clean Growth will be delighted to take an interest in any proposals that the hon. Gentleman puts to her.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Mann and Baroness Coffey

Thursday 26th October 2017 Commons Chamber

[John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab)]

T6. Do we expect progress in sorting out abandoned waste sites owned by the Crown Estate, such as the one at Sandy Lane in my constituency?

[Dr Coffey]

I met the hon. Gentleman to discuss this matter. We have been engaging with the Treasury about the site, because I know there is a particular issue he wishes to be progressed. The Treasury has oversight of the Crown Estate and the tax system and will consider the business case in due course, but I can assure him that the Environment Agency will continue to work closely with the local councils. They have removed the dangerous waste that was there.