Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Charles Hendry and Joan Walley

Thursday 17th May 2012 Commons Chamber

[Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab)]

16. What his policy is on investment in new nuclear power.

[The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Charles Hendry)]

New nuclear power will have a vital role to play in our energy mix alongside other low-carbon forms of generation provided it can be delivered in a way that provides value for money for consumers and that is consistent with the coalition Government’s commitment to no public subsidy.

[Joan Walley]

I thank the Minister for that reply. Given the uncertainties about future investment, will he give us again an absolute assurance that if it is to be delivered, there will, as the coalition agreement requires, be no subsidy and no hidden subsidy, either?

[Charles Hendry]

I refer the hon. Lady to the statement we made in October 2010 about exactly how we define subsidy and what would be meant by that commitment. We are absolutely clear that this technology must stand on its own feet. The process for taking it forward is designed to ensure that that is the case and it will be very transparent. We recognise that higher costs are associated with low-carbon technologies than with high-carbon technologies, but we remain firmly committed to that statement.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Charles Hendry and Joan Walley

Thursday 1st December 2011 Commons Chamber

[Charles Hendry]

I am sure that the hon. Lady is aware that this is funding that people can have in addition to the green deal support. It is designed to make sure that there is a comprehensive approach. We have sought to ensure that we have an holistic approach and that we do more on energy efficiency and on assisting poorer households. We are trying to make sure that we do this in the most effective way possible.

[Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab)]

5. What representations he has received on feed-in tariffs from people in Stoke-on-Trent.