Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michael Moore and Baroness McIntosh of Pickering

Wednesday 26th June 2013 Commons Chamber

[Michael Moore]

Let me first pay tribute to the Chairman of the Select Committee, and welcome his evident return to robust good health. I agree with him about the importance of the shipyards in the context of the debate about independence. As for the agricultural issue, I hope that the hon. Gentleman—who is a long-time campaigner for reform of the CAP—will see an outcome from what is still an ongoing process that is fair to his constituents as well as to farmers.

[Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)]

I know that regionalisation is just as important to the delivery of the common agricultural policy as it is to the delivery of the common fisheries policy, but is my right hon. Friend aware of the possible cross-border impact of the way in which the reforms are implemented in Scotland on constituencies that are very close to Scotland?

[Michael Moore]

Obviously I defer to the hon. Lady’s expertise in this area, but as one who represents what I believe is the longest section of the land border between Scotland and England, I am well aware of the issues that she has raised. What the Secretary of State has been negotiating in Luxembourg is an arrangement that introduces regionalisation for the whole United Kingdom, and allows us to design a common agricultural policy that is fit for local circumstances and fair to farmers throughout the UK.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michael Moore and Baroness McIntosh of Pickering

Wednesday 9th November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Michael Moore]

In a week when a major international bank has talked about the impact that the uncertainty over independence is having on renewables investment in Scotland, we will take no lessons from the SNP about uncertainty. As I said to the hon. Member for Aberdeen North (Mr Doran), it is vital that Peterhead and other places come forward with their bids, and £1 billion is available to support them.

[Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)]

9. What discussions he has had with the First Minister on reform of the common fisheries policy.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michael Moore and Baroness McIntosh of Pickering

Wednesday 14th September 2011 Commons Chamber

[Michael Moore]

The hon. Gentleman is right to focus attention on some of the most vulnerable people in society, both in Glasgow and elsewhere in Scotland. I would point out to him that the winter fuel allowance will return to its previous level, as planned by the previous Government, and that the cold weather payments—on which we spent over £50 million last year—will continue at a higher level than before. I know that the hon. Gentleman studies these matters carefully, and he will be aware that, through our Warm Home discount scheme—a statutory scheme that is replacing the previous voluntary scheme run by the energy companies—we will ensure that we get more than double the amount of assistance to vulnerable households this winter and during the winters ahead.

[Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)]

I hope that the Secretary of State will take the opportunity to talk to renewable energy providers about the fact that the only way of getting the electricity generated in that way into the grid is via overhead pylons. Given that undergrounding takes place in alpine countries, will he insist that that happens in the highlands and the north of England as well?

[Michael Moore]

I understand the sensitivity of the issue that my hon. Friend raises; indeed, it occurs across the country. This matter must be carefully considered, and the proposals for the transmission network must take full account of environmental and other planning considerations.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michael Moore and Baroness McIntosh of Pickering

Wednesday 26th January 2011 Commons Chamber

[Michael Moore]

Unlike the previous Government, we have actually made a firm commitment to the green investment bank, and we intend to deliver on that. We will be making further announcements on the detail as soon as possible.

[Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)]

13. What recent representations he has received on the boundaries between devolved and reserved policy matters; and if he will make a statement.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michael Moore and Baroness McIntosh of Pickering

Wednesday 21st July 2010 Commons Chamber

[Michael Moore]

The hon. Gentleman, particularly in his distinguished new role as Chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee, is a strong campaigner on these issues. As he knows, I intend to visit with him the shipyards and other defence installations in Glasgow in the near future.

[Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con)]

14. What recent devolution issues the Advocate-General has considered.