Oral Answers to Questions

Colin Clark Excerpts
Tuesday 12th September 2017

(6 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Harrington of Watford Portrait Richard Harrington
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As the hon. Lady will be aware, the Government are considering all aspects of their future relationship with the EU, including the arrangements for trading energy. Our priority is maintaining affordable, clean and secure energy supplies for businesses and households.

Colin Clark Portrait Colin Clark (Gordon) (Con)
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23. Two thirds of our energy will still come from oil and gas in 2035, so will the Minister join me in congratulating the economic report from Oil & Gas UK highlighting the renewed vote of confidence in the North sea shelf? Will he also make sure that the oil industry is at the heart of the Government’s industrial strategy?

Lord Harrington of Watford Portrait Richard Harrington
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I fully agree with my hon. Friend about the importance of the oil and gas industry, which supports more than 300,000 highly skilled jobs in regional centres of excellence across the UK. I understand from my recent visit to Aberdeen, where I was joined by him, that the sector is working on a compelling proposal for a deal, building on the unprecedented support we have already given to the industry, and I look forward to receiving it in the near future.