Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Oral Answers to Questions

Roger Gale Excerpts
Thursday 17th September 2015

(9 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Amber Rudd Portrait Amber Rudd
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I do not agree with that assertion. The fact is that Scottish taxpayers and bill payers have exactly the same needs as the rest of us in the UK—and that is to have secure and affordable energy. We spoke to National Grid about Longannet and we were reassured that it has the resources in place to ensure that we continue to have a secure supply of energy.

Roger Gale Portrait Sir Roger Gale (North Thanet) (Con)
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We understand that due to the failure of the policy of previous Governments, it is necessary for National Grid to buy in from mainland Europe electricity supplies to keep the lights on in Britain. What is not acceptable is for the Grid to run massive pylons from Richborough in Kent across to Canterbury, which is totally unnecessary. If the Grid can bury cables in the New Forest, it can bury them in the garden of England. Will the Secretary of State please make sure that that happens?

Amber Rudd Portrait Amber Rudd
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I have looked into this matter, about which my hon. Friend has written to me. I know how beautiful that part of England is, so I will certainly look carefully and work with National Grid to arrive at an outcome.