Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Carol Monaghan and Kwasi Kwarteng

Tuesday 12th July 2022 Commons Chamber

[Kwasi Kwarteng]

My hon. Friend will appreciate that in the current circumstances 18 October is a very long time away, but of course I will do my best to attend that conference.

[Carol Monaghan (Glasgow North West) (SNP)]

As chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on photonics and quantum, I am well aware of the huge success of the UK photonics sector, but its future depends on a thriving semiconductor industry based here in the UK. The UK has that capability, but we need the semiconductor strategy. Could the Secretary of State update the House on when we can expect to see that strategy?

[Kwasi Kwarteng]

By a curious anomaly, the semiconductor strategy is fully owned by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, so that question could be directed to it, but I am grateful that the hon. Member has acknowledged the booming sector here in the UK.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Carol Monaghan and Kwasi Kwarteng

Tuesday 23rd March 2021 Commons Chamber

[Kwasi Kwarteng]

The hon. Lady will know that we have a repeated and often stated commitment to decarbonisation in our industry. It was only last week that we published, under the leadership of my right hon. Friend the Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, the industrial decarbonisation strategy. She will also appreciate that the steel industry is a vital part of that decarbonisation strategy.

[Carol Monaghan (Glasgow North West) (SNP)]

What discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the funding of the UK associating to Horizon Europe.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Carol Monaghan and Kwasi Kwarteng

Tuesday 9th February 2021 Commons Chamber

[Carol Monaghan (Glasgow North West) (SNP) [V]]

Since the US imposed tariffs on single malt whisky, the loss of exports has cost the industry more than £500 million. Will the Secretary of State detail the discussions that have taken place with the new Administration and update the House on the progress of those talks?

[Kwasi Kwarteng]

The hon. Lady is absolutely right: we have to look after the interests of our whisky exporters. It is a key interest. I have spoken to Karen Betts I think twice in my first month precisely on that issue, and I am very hopeful that we can get it resolved.