Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Amber Rudd and Daniel Kawczynski(8 years, 11 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
Amber Rudd
As the hon. Lady will know, the Government take very seriously climate change and its devastating impact in terms of the recent flooding. I can reassure her that the Department participated in regular meetings of Cobra on almost a daily basis to ensure that electricity sources were restored as quickly as possible. The review will take place, and we will keep a careful, watchful eye on ensuring that it does meet and that it looks carefully at what impact it has had.
Daniel Kawczynski (Shrewsbury and Atcham) (Con)
T3. What steps are the Government taking to address the increasing shortage of skills in the nuclear industry?
National Grid (Montgomeryshire)
Debate between Amber Rudd and Daniel Kawczynski(9 years, 10 months ago)
Westminster HallRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
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Amber Rudd
I appreciate the sentiment expressed by the hon. Gentleman. His point is valid, and if the experience of hon. Members present is that the current consultation process is not sufficient, I will follow up on it. Some progress has been made: Ofgem has recently published information for stakeholders on how their views should be taken into account. That information clarifies that network companies are required to consider wider impacts and alternative solutions to overhead lines, as mentioned by the hon. Member for Wells (Tessa Munt).
Daniel Kawczynski
On the point that I made earlier about how far the site in Montgomeryshire is from the national grid, are the Government doing any work to look at the grid and evaluate how projects can be initiated closer to it, rather than so far away? Some sort of strategic work must be under way on that.
Amber Rudd
As I said earlier, National Grid is looking at the process as part of the preparation for potential new generation through wind farms. It has reviewed where the grid will be required, and then has to take its proposals to the Planning Inspectorate. The whole process is overseen by Ofgem. Obviously, my hon. Friend will be aware that although my Government have a policy role in encouraging the development of renewable energy and ensuring that it can be accessed, we do not interfere with planning, which is a very sensitive issue.