Oral Answers to Questions

Lindsay Hoyle Excerpts

Tuesday 25th May 2021 Commons Chamber

[Dehenna Davison [V]]

[Inaudible.]

[Mr Speaker]

You are on mute.

[Dehenna Davison]

Hopefully you can hear me now.

[Mr Speaker]

Get on with the question.

[Dehenna Davison]

A key part of achieving net zero will be exploring alternative energy sources. One of those that was mentioned by the hon. Member for Southampton, Test (Dr Whitehead) was deep geothermal. I am working with stakeholders across Bishop Auckland to explore making Bishop Auckland a centre of excellence for geothermal energy. Will my right hon. Friend visit me in Bishop Auckland to discuss that in much more detail?

--- Later in debate ---

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Amanda Solloway)]

We have committed to investing £14.9 billion in R&D in 2021-22, meaning that Government R&D spending is now at its highest level for decades. We have our ambitious road map. We have our innovation strategy that we will be launching. We have our R&D place strategy, and we are working to ensure that the benefits are felt nationwide.

[Mr Speaker]

I suspend the House to enable the necessary arrangements to be made for the next business.