Al-Sweady Inquiry Report

Debate between Huw Irranca-Davies and Michael Fallon

Wednesday 17th December 2014 Commons Chamber

[Michael Fallon]

I do not recall that, but perhaps I could look into it and get back to the hon. Gentleman on that specific point.

[Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab)]

I welcome the clarity and the robustness of the statement. On dealing with the aftermath of a battlefield situation and the handling of prisoners, the Secretary of State has mentioned on a couple of occasions that one of the lessons learned relates to data and intelligence gathering from the battlefield. Are there further lessons to be put in place in training or procedures?

[Michael Fallon]

There are a number of recommendations which we want to study in detail. I have made it clear to the House that I accept the principle and the intent that lie behind them. We have to work through some of the practicalities—for example, video recording and how that would work in a situation very close to the battlefield. I will, of course, come back to the House with my detailed conclusions within a few weeks, I hope.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Huw Irranca-Davies and Michael Fallon

Thursday 19th June 2014 Commons Chamber

[Michael Fallon]

The Government consider those risks very seriously. We are allocating over £1 billion of taxpayers’ money to support coal-to-biomass conversion at the Drax plant in my hon. Friend’s constituency, at Lynemouth in Northumberland, and at a dedicated biomass plant on Teesside. He will be aware, however, that the cost of that support has to be managed within the levy control framework if we are to keep our constituents’ bills affordable.

[Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab)]

What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that wherever possible biomass is supplied from within the UK? What discussions is he having with the Welsh Government and other devolved Administrations to make sure that that happens in order to minimise the carbon footprint of transporting biomass across the waters into the UK?

[Michael Fallon]

I discuss these matters with the devolved Administrations in Wales, in Scotland, and so on. The hon. Gentleman is right: we have to make sure that biomass is properly sustainable and that the criteria applied to these plants are even across the different devolved Administrations.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Huw Irranca-Davies and Michael Fallon

Thursday 27th February 2014 Commons Chamber

[Michael Fallon]

My hon. Friend is a powerful champion of the Henbury loop. It is for the West of England Partnership to identify that particular rail scheme as a priority in its strategic economic plan. If it does so, it may be considered for funding under the local growth fund.

[Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab)]

10. What steps he is taking to help households with their energy bills.