Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Michael Fallon and Margot James
The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Michael Fallon)
We recognise the competitiveness concerns of electricity-intensive industries, which is why the recent Budget included new compensation for the costs of the renewables obligation and feed-in tariffs, and capped the carbon price support mechanism. We are also providing compensation for the costs of the European Union emissions trading scheme, and to date we have paid out £31 million to 53 companies.
Margot James
Following the £7 billion package of support for the energy-intensive industries, EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, said that it will
“help to level the playing field these companies need to compete effectively with others around the globe, and keep production here in the UK.”
What estimate has my right hon. Friend made of the potential for reshoring in the chemicals sector, now that conditions are so much more attractive to investors?
Michael Fallon
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her question. By 2018-19, British business will have saved some £4 billion from the measures we have put in place. We have cut green taxes for households and now we are cutting green taxes for business. That should be a further incentive for the chemical industry not only to grow in this country, but to bring further investment back to the UK.