Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris White and John Hayes

Thursday 1st November 2012 Commons Chamber

[Chris White (Warwick and Leamington) (Con)]

12. What steps his Department is taking to encourage new entrants to the energy market.

[The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Mr John Hayes)]

Wider participation is key to a competitive market and to securing the investment we need. The forthcoming energy Bill will reform the electricity market to incentivise new investment in a diverse, low-carbon energy mix.

[Chris White]

In a few weeks’ time I will have the pleasure of opening the new offices of First Utility in my constituency. It is one of the fastest growing energy companies in the country and a major local employer. It is pioneering new ways to help make household bills cheaper through a range of technologies and is an excellent example of the innovation that new entrants to the energy market can bring. Will the Minister meet me and First Utility to discuss how we can support new entrants into the energy market and boost competition to make household bills cheaper?

[Mr Hayes]

Just this morning I had a meeting with my diary secretary in which I prioritised just such a visit. It is vital that we allow new entrants into the market, because that will create the competitive pressure to drive down prices. The right hon. Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) told the House only last week that that had not happened over the past 15 years, and who was in charge of energy policy then?

Apprenticeships (Small Businesses)

Debate between Chris White and John Hayes

Thursday 9th June 2011 Westminster Hall

[Chris White (Warwick and Leamington) (Con)]

rose—

[The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning (Mr John Hayes)]

rose—

[Richard Graham]

I will give way in a moment, if I may. It is interesting that so many hon. Members from the coalition side of the House are here today. They are firmly focused on the importance of apprenticeships, are leading by example and have their own experience as small business men and women. It is disappointing to see the complete absence of any representation from the Opposition, apart from the shadow Minister, the hon. Member for Blackpool South (Mr Marsden).

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris White and John Hayes

Monday 21st March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Chris White (Warwick and Leamington) (Con)]

14. What steps his Department is taking to support the teaching of design in schools.

[The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning (Mr John Hayes)]

We have been funding the Design and Technology Association to provide continuing professional development for design and technology teachers to enhance their subject knowledge, and we intend to continue to provide this funding while we are reviewing the position of the subject in the national curriculum.

[Chris White]

I am grateful for the Minister’s response. I am sure that everyone recognises the need to build a more creative and innovative economy and the important role that teaching design and technology must play in that. Will he assure the House that the Government will continue to promote the teaching of design and technology within schools and inform us of any steps being taken to meet that end?

[Mr Hayes]

The white heat of technology has never been more important. Britain’s future chance of success lies in our being a high-tech, high-skilled nation, which is why the Government have agreed an unprecedented level of commitment and expenditure for apprenticeships, which are being taught in many schools. We will continue to build that high-tech, high-skilled nation. I recommend our strategy to my hon. Friend—signed copies are available.