Electric Vehicles and Bicycles Debate

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Department: Department for Transport
Wednesday 9th May 2018

(6 years, 6 months ago)

Westminster Hall
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Steve McCabe Portrait Steve McCabe (in the Chair)
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Before we begin, let me point out that this debate will now end at 17.45. I have been notified that six people want to speak, so you can probably do the maths yourselves, otherwise I shall have to impose a time limit.

Greg Knight Portrait Sir Greg Knight (East Yorkshire) (Con)
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On a point of order, Mr McCabe. Will you speak to the House of Commons authorities about whether it is possible to have the Westminster Hall monitors display the end time of the debate? That would be particularly helpful to Members when there has been a Division—or Divisions—in the main Chamber.

Steve McCabe Portrait Steve McCabe (in the Chair)
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We shall look into that. Thank you.

Andrew Selous Portrait Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con)
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I beg to move,

That this House has considered take-up of electric vehicles and bicycles.

I am extremely grateful to Members across the House for their support for what I believe to be a very important debate. This is the third time that I have secured a debate in this Chamber on the take-up of electric vehicles. It is such an important issue for many reasons: electric vehicles will help us to reach our carbon commitments; they are the answer to low-cost, pollution-free motoring for our constituents; and, perhaps above all, it is essential for the United Kingdom to grasp global leadership of this key industry of the future, so that a new and up-and-coming industry’s jobs and investment will be here in the United Kingdom.

In the case of conventional vehicles, the UK is passing £5 billion from sales of conventional vehicles on to foreign economies. Partly because of how supply chains work, a country such as Germany has a significant advantage.

--- Later in debate ---
None Portrait Several hon. Members rose—
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Steve McCabe Portrait Steve McCabe (in the Chair)
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Order. If Members stick to five minutes or less, we will get everyone in. I call Jim Shannon.

--- Later in debate ---
Jesse Norman Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Jesse Norman)
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It is an honour to serve under your chairmanship, Mr McCabe. I am only sad that I have, now, four minutes, until 5.43.

Jesse Norman Portrait Jesse Norman
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But do I not have to allow two minutes for my hon. Friend the Member for South West Bedfordshire (Andrew Selous)?

Steve McCabe Portrait Steve McCabe (in the Chair)
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You do not have to.

Andrew Selous Portrait Andrew Selous
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I will give you one of those minutes.