Oral Answers to Questions

Alan Whitehead Excerpts
Tuesday 14th March 2017

(7 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Jesse Norman Portrait Jesse Norman
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

It is fair to say that we have stated that we will come to the House as soon we can and that the matter is presently under consideration.

Alan Whitehead Portrait Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab)
- Hansard - -

The Minister mentioned the capacity market. I am sure he will agree that the prime purpose of that market has been to procure new infrastructure capacity. Will he tell me how many new gas-fired power stations have been procured with the £3.4 billion that has been spent so far on the capacity market? What plans does he have to improve that number?

Alan Whitehead Portrait Dr Whitehead
- Hansard - -

To be helpful, the answer is: one new power plant in King’s Lynn.

Jesse Norman Portrait Jesse Norman
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

Well, I am all in favour of the self-answering question, but I remind the hon. Gentleman that the last capacity market procured energy at a cost of £7 per kilowatt, which is cheaper than any conceivable alternative.