Oral Answers to Questions

Christopher Chope Excerpts

Thursday 18th December 2014 Commons Chamber

[Mr Davey]

I have to say that we have a very good record on energy-efficiency, as today’s announcement of 1 million energy-efficiency measures from the green deal and the ECO demonstrates. I do not know about the particular example in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency. I can tell him that because of some of the changes we made to the ECO this time last year, some energy- efficiency schemes have not gone ahead, but what has gone ahead is a £50 cut, on average, in people’s energy bills.

[Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con)]

Does the Secretary of State think it is fair that at the public inquiry into the Navitus Bay offshore wind park, the applicants have in the middle of the inquiry put forward a separate and different application? It is now being considered alongside the original application, which has not been withdrawn. Is that not oppressive and a breach of the principles of the rule of law?

[Mr Davey]

I am surprised that my hon. Friend, who has great experience in the House, should ask a Minister to comment on a live planning inquiry.