Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Christopher Pincher and Matt Hancock

Thursday 18th December 2014 Commons Chamber

[Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con)]

T3. Energy experts believe that by 2030 we will need an additional 25-30 GW of gas capacity to meet our needs. What does my right hon. Friend have in mind to meet that extra provision? Will it include 15-year contracts for new entrants and not contracts discounted to one year?

[The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Matthew Hancock)]

My hon. Friend is right that we need investment in our energy infrastructure, including gas-powered fire stations. The capacity market auction on which many of those investment decisions will be made is under way this week and is continuing today to get the best possible value for money for energy consumers. It would be insidious of me to comment on an auction while it is under way. [Hon. Members: “Invidious!”] It would be invidious of me as well, so I will not comment, but my hon. Friend makes a critical point that it is vital to get new energy generation investment.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Christopher Pincher and Matt Hancock

Thursday 24th October 2013 Commons Chamber

[Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con)]

T3. Tamworth borough council is doing its bit to back small business Saturday by promoting “created in Tamworth” and offering free market stalls to business people and free parking to customers. Do the Government agree that local authorities have a hugely important role in helping rather than hindering small business growth, not least by offering more free parking?

[The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew Hancock)]

We in Government are huge and enthusiastic supporters of small business Saturday, which has cross-party support. I encourage local authorities of all political persuasions to follow the lead of Tamworth and introduce policies that can help to support small businesses across the board, and especially on Saturday 7 December, small business Saturday.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Christopher Pincher and Matt Hancock

Thursday 6th September 2012 Commons Chamber

[Matthew Hancock]

I look forward to reading that letter, but I would say this: the budget for community learning has been protected in difficult fiscal times, and that shows the Government’s intentions in this area.

[Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con)]

13. What recent progress he has made in supporting small and medium-sized businesses.