Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Glyn Davies Excerpts
Wednesday 11th May 2016

(8 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
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I am absolutely clear that what the right hon. Gentleman states is the case, and I am sure he will have welcomed the visit to Scotland made yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to stress the importance to the whisky industry of remaining in the single market. The particular points he makes about duplication in relation to labelling, certification and licensing are ones the Scotch Whisky Association has made, and I am sure the public will take them into account when they vote in the referendum.

Glyn Davies Portrait Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con)
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4. What steps the Government are taking to support the North sea oil and gas sector.

Lord Evans of Rainow Portrait Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con)
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11. What steps the Government are taking to support the North Sea oil and gas sector.

Anna Soubry Portrait The Minister for Small Business, Industry and Enterprise (Anna Soubry)
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Of course this is an important sector and it faces difficult times. That is why I am delighted that the Chancellor announced a £1 billion package of measures in the Budget: a reduction in headline rates of tax; major investment opportunities and encouragement in relation to exploration, infrastructure and late-life assets; a quarter of a billion-pound Aberdeen city deal; and the creation of an inter-ministerial group specifically targeting the oil and gas sector.

Glyn Davies Portrait Glyn Davies
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Does the Minister agree that we need a long-term approach to secure the future of the jobs in the oil and gas sector in the North sea, and that part of that future is about making sure the skills that have been developed over many decades are not lost at a time when world prices are very low?

Anna Soubry Portrait Anna Soubry
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I could not agree with my hon. Friend more, which is why we have established an inter-ministerial group specifically looking at this and many other issues, and in a short period of time we will publish our workforce plan.