Wednesday 17th May 2023

(1 year, 6 months ago)

Lords Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Earl of Minto Portrait The Earl of Minto (Con)
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

I thank my noble friend for the points he made and appreciate his relationship with those key African states. In the challenges we face with EV manufacturing, any form of help can be only welcomed and supported. I would very much like to meet him and see what can be done.

Lord Beith Portrait Lord Beith (LD)
- View Speech - Hansard - -

My Lords, is the Minister confident that batteries for electric cars will be produced at the site north of Blyth which was earlier identified for that purpose? If so, when?

Earl of Minto Portrait The Earl of Minto (Con)
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

My Lords, I cannot give a direct answer. I will write to the noble Lord later, but I assure him that the Government are absolutely on it. I completely understand that the whole question of batteries and trying to resolve this country of origin issue is fundamental to the future of automotive manufacturing in this country.