Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Martin Vickers and Matt Hancock

Thursday 19th March 2015 Commons Chamber

[Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con)]

I recently met senior management at the Phillips 66 refinery in my constituency. The refinery has the lowest per barrel SO₂ emissions in the country, but it fears that the continuing demands of the industrial emissions directive will increase costs with little benefit to the environment. Does the Minister share my concerns, and what action is he taking to protect the industry and the jobs?

[Matthew Hancock]

It is important to ensure that we have clean emissions and that we abide by our international obligations. None the less, I am looking forward to my visit to Cleethorpes and the refinery to see the impact for myself and to make sure that, locally, whatever changes need to be made will be implemented as carefully as possible.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Martin Vickers and Matt Hancock

Thursday 12th February 2015 Commons Chamber

[Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con)]

The economy in northern Lincolnshire has had much good news in recent weeks, but a bit of a damper was put on that this morning by the announcement from Lindsey oil refinery that there will be 180 redundancies. That follows 90 redundancies announced last week by Cristal Global. Will the Minister assure me that everything possible will be done by his Department and Government agencies to support the workers at this difficult time?

[Matthew Hancock]

Absolutely. I met Total yesterday and it told me of its planned announcement today. We are working with the company to ensure that if any redundancies occur, those made redundant are supported. They will often be people with skills that are in short supply across the nation, and I look forward to going to my hon. Friend’s constituency to discuss this with him and to working with him.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Martin Vickers and Matt Hancock

Thursday 6th November 2014 Commons Chamber

[Matthew Hancock]

Well, the good news is that the rate of investment in energy infrastructure has doubled under this Government; there has been £45 billion of investment so far, but we have a £100 billion programme because of the massive underinvestment that occurred in the previous decade. It is regrettable that the previous Government did not take the action that was needed, but we have done so.

[Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con)]

The Minister will be aware of the many developments on the Humber estuary, onshore and offshore, that will boost energy security. In particular, the Joint Committee recently approved the Able UK development of the south Humber energy park. I urge the Minister to visit the area and meet Able and other developers to see what a boost it is to the local economy.

[Matthew Hancock]

I would be absolutely delighted to visit Cleethorpes and the Humber estuary, which is increasingly a crucial cluster for our energy supplies and energy security. I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for all his activity, and for his promotion of Cleethorpes and the whole of Humberside, specifically with regard to the role that they play in our energy generation.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Martin Vickers and Matt Hancock

Thursday 18th July 2013 Commons Chamber

[Matthew Hancock]

There are continual discussions between the Department and the Department for Transport about making sure that great benefits accrue not only when we build important infrastructure, but during its construction. We must ensure that there is good value for money, but value for money should be considered in the broadest possible sense.

[Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con)]

14. What recent assessment he has made of the prospects for economic growth in the Humber sub-region.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Martin Vickers and Matt Hancock

Thursday 21st March 2013 Commons Chamber

[Matthew Hancock]

We are introducing work experience as part of the study programmes in sixth forms and for 16 to 18-year-olds. The new duty on schools to provide independent and impartial advice is an important step we have taken from this summer.

[Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con)]

11. What support his Department is providing to encourage investment and growth in north and north-east Lincolnshire authority areas.