Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Oral Answers to Questions

David Amess Excerpts
Thursday 17th September 2015

(9 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Andrea Leadsom Portrait Andrea Leadsom
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As the hon. Gentleman will know, the Chancellor introduced some strong fiscal measures in the March Budget to maintain and build investment, including a reduction in the supplementary charge, introducing a new investment allowance and a reduction in the petroleum revenue tax from January 2016, and we will continue to look closely at what else we can do to provide that fiscal support for further exploration and to keep the oil and gas sector thriving in the North sea basin.

David Amess Portrait Sir David Amess (Southend West) (Con)
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9. What areas of co-operation on green growth the UK is exploring with China.

Amber Rudd Portrait The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (Amber Rudd)
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The UK and China enjoy strong and growing co-operation on low-carbon policies and green technologies. This includes working together on the means of financing renewables and low-carbon infra- structure and a cost-effective response to the challenge of climate change.

David Amess Portrait Sir David Amess
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Is my right hon. Friend aware that minimum import price fixing is having an adverse effect on the solar industry because of the trade dispute between the European Union and China? Will my right hon. Friend ensure that the matter is raised with the Chinese President when he visits this country next month?

Amber Rudd Portrait Amber Rudd
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We are indeed aware of that, and we are trying to address it. The cost of solar panels has fallen dramatically, but we would like it to continue to fall. I am working with my colleague the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills on this issue, and I can confirm that we will continue to press the EU on this matter.