Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Andrea Leadsom and Mike Weir(8 years, 11 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
Mike Weir (Angus) (SNP)
T7. The Minister will be aware that just before Christmas the European Commission announced new import tariffs, backdated to May last year, on Taiwanese and Malaysian solar panels. That could result in many solar companies having an unwanted and potentially devastating tax bill. Will she take action to assure that that will not happen?
Andrea Leadsom
The hon. Gentleman is right to raise this matter. It is a real concern that, in spite of the fact that the cost of solar panels has dropped so dramatically, the cost in Europe remains higher than elsewhere in the world as a result of the import tariffs. As I mentioned earlier, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State wrote to the Trade Commissioner explaining how very bad this is for the ongoing success of the UK industry. We will do everything we can to try to ensure the tariffs are removed as soon as possible.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Andrea Leadsom and Mike Weir
Owen Thompson (Midlothian) (SNP)
8. What recent discussions she has had with representatives of the renewable energy industry on the future of that industry.
Mike Weir (Angus) (SNP)
17. What recent discussions she has had with representatives of the renewable energy industry on the future of that industry.
Andrea Leadsom
As we have explained, the early closure of the RO for onshore wind will save consumers money. The subsidies in their bills, which would have gone towards an excess of deployment above our target would have cost consumers hundreds of millions of pounds more.
Mike Weir
Following the announcement of the closure of ROs for onshore wind, many renewables developers are worried about what else might be in the pipeline. Will the Minister give an absolute assurance that there are no plans to cut the funds available through contracts for difference for offshore wind developments?
Andrea Leadsom
As the hon. Gentleman will know, the policy on CfDs is being considered right now. It is certainly our intention to continue to promote a successful and thriving renewables industry and we will make announcements in due course.