Oral Answers to Questions

Julian Sturdy Excerpts

Thursday 16th September 2010 Commons Chamber

[Laura Sandys (South Thanet) (Con)]

11. What progress he has made on bringing forward proposals for reform of energy markets to improve security of supply.

[Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con)]

12. What progress he has made on bringing forward proposals for reform of energy markets to improve security of supply.

[Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con)]

15. What progress he has made on bringing forward proposals for reform of energy markets to improve security of supply.

--- Later in debate ---

[Charles Hendry]

Ministers have to be much more engaged in this process than has historically been the case. We have to have Ministers who are prepared to go around the world to identify long-term contracts and to secure those agreements in the interests of our long-term energy security. We are keen to have a relationship with Russia that is active and business-based. We think Russia can enhance our security. We are also keen to work with other European countries to identify the pressure points and to find new routes to market, and we are actively engaging with our European counterparts to achieve that.

[Julian Sturdy]

I thank the Minister for his response. Given Yorkshire’s close proximity to the North sea and the vast amount of existing energy infrastructure across the region, are the Minister or Secretary of State pursuing any plans to develop a carbon capture scheme to prolong the life of coal-fired power stations in our area?