Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Amanda Solloway and Stephen Morgan

Tuesday 16th April 2024 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Morgan (Portsmouth South) (Lab)]

T8. Smart meters are vital to help families to cut bills and save money on their energy outlay, yet the Government’s own figures show that 4 million smart meters are faulty. Is that not another catastrophic failure? When is the Secretary of State going to get a grip on the issue?

[Amanda Solloway]

Clearly this is an issue that concerns us in the Government, which is why we are striving to do everything that we can to make sure that we are solving the issue.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Amanda Solloway and Stephen Morgan

Tuesday 6th July 2021 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Morgan (Portsmouth South) (Lab)]

When he plans to make a decision on the proposed AQUIND energy interconnector project.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Amanda Solloway)]

The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has until 8 September 2021 to take his decision on whether or not to grant development consent for the proposal.

[Stephen Morgan]

I have long represented Portsmouth’s opposition to AQUIND, which would cause untold disruption to our communities and no clear benefits to my city. There are serious concerns about the company, its murky financing and the influence that its leaders have over Ministers who are responsible for giving the project the go-ahead. Last weekend, I launched a petition to give a real voice to local people who are opposed to the development. With no Secretary of State present today, will the Minister listen to the weight of concerns from my constituents and reject the damaging and suspicious proposals?

[Amanda Solloway]

Local communities have had the opportunity to raise concerns during the examination undertaken by the Planning Inspectorate. The Secretary of State will consider all relevant matters—I will ensure that I pass on the hon. Gentleman’s message—when he takes a decision, but as it is a live planning application I cannot comment further.