Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Meg Hillier and Amber Rudd

Monday 5th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Amber Rudd]

I know about this case—the hon. Lady has of course raised it with me previously—and I know about the campaigning she has done on behalf of her constituents and of the city in general. I do not know whether she is aware of this, but I am seeing the representatives of the Birmingham families this evening, and I will follow up with more information after that.

[Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/Co-op)]

5. What steps she is taking to reduce delays in Disclosure and Barring Service checks.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Meg Hillier and Amber Rudd

Thursday 7th January 2016 Commons Chamber

[Amber Rudd]

What is astonishing is the hon. Lady’s lack of understanding of the fact that the capacity market is needed because of the Labour Government’s woeful under-investment in infrastructure. We are left with the consequences and need to ensure that energy security is completely reliable. The capacity market is essential to ensuring that that hole is filled. We are proud of the way in which it has delivered—the second auction has just completed. As I have said, it will cost a few pounds—under £10—and we will ensure that energy security will never be in question under this Government.

[Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/Co-op)]

14. What progress is being made on the roll- out of smart meters.

[The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (Amber Rudd)]

I can assure the hon. Lady that good progress is being made. Energy suppliers have now installed over 2 million meters in homes and small businesses across Britain, ahead of the main installation stage starting later this year.

[Meg Hillier]

In September 2014, the Public Accounts Committee raised concerns about the roll-out of smart meters, but very recently, Alex Henney, a former Conservative energy adviser, warned the Secretary of State that the roll-out would at best be regarded as a waste of money and that it is “a ghastly mess”. Does she agree with Mr Henney, and what is she doing to resolve those problems?

[Amber Rudd]

I can say very clearly to the hon. Lady that I do not agree with that position. Smart meters will have a great future in this country. We discussed in earlier questions energy security and fuel poverty. Smart meters will be a very good way for people to reduce their bills and use less energy, therefore creating fewer carbon emissions. Smart meters are an important part of that.