Energy: Welsh Government

Lord Faulkner of Worcester Excerpts

Wednesday 24th April 2024 Lords Chamber

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

There are opportunities with the energy transition for investment in all communities throughout the UK, including, of course, in Wales. There are considerable investments in north Wales, and I mentioned some of those in south Wales as well. It is perfectly possible that onshore wind projects are being taken forward in west Wales, but I am not familiar with that particular area.

[Lord Faulkner of Worcester (Lab)]

My Lords, further to the question from his noble friend Lord Attlee, is the Minister aware that his colleague, the noble Lord, Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, and Huw Merriman, the Rail Minister, have written a joint letter to the First Minister of Wales asking him whether the Welsh Government would reconsider the closure of the Ffos-y-Fran pit in south Wales? This pit would provide coal for the heritage sector for many years to come. Would he chase that up and see whether we can get a positive answer to it?

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

I thank the noble Lord for that information. I was not aware of that, but now that he has mentioned it, I will of course chase it up.

Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill

Lord Faulkner of Worcester Excerpts

Committee stage
Thursday 23rd March 2023 Lords Chamber

[The Deputy Chairman of Committees (Lord Faulkner of Worcester) (Lab)]

I am unable to call Amendment 17, as it is an amendment to Amendment 16.

Amendment 18 not moved.

Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill

Lord Faulkner of Worcester Excerpts

Committee stage
Thursday 23rd March 2023 Lords Chamber

This legislation has the complete opposite effect from what the Minister is suggesting. When you look at the comments I have already made about the rail industry, it is clear that this is going to aggravate industrial relations and prolong disputes, not minimise them. I hope the Minister can give us a clear indication of what he thinks are reasonable steps for a union to take in these circumstances.

[The Deputy Chairman of Committees (Lord Faulkner of Worcester) (Lab)]

I should advise the Committee that if this amendment is agreed, I will not be able to call Amendments 34, 34A or 35 for reason of pre-emption.