Oral Answers to Questions

Dennis Skinner Excerpts

Thursday 12th July 2012 Commons Chamber

[Charles Hendry]

Let me reassure my hon. Friend that we will always keep an open mind in regard to new evidence. The problem with the Dungeness site was that development there was not compatible with the EC habitats directive. The Government’s major infrastructure environment unit is continuing to investigate, and if there is additional evidence, I shall be pleased to meet my hon. Friend at any time to discuss it.

[Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab)]

If the Minister is happy to meet the nuclear generation people, will he also take an interest in coal? We have 100 years’ worth of coal beneath our feet, and it is high time the Government paid some attention to the industry. Not many pits are left, and some of those are in jeopardy. It is high time the Minister met those people, together with the National Union of Mineworkers.

[Mr Speaker]

I assume that the hon. Gentleman is suggesting that as an alternative to new generation.

[Mr Skinner]

You have hit the nail on the head.

[Mr Speaker]

The approval of the hon. Gentleman means a great deal to me.