North Sea Oil and Gas Industry
Debate between Torcuil Crichton and Lindsay Hoyle(1 week ago)
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Urgent Questions are proposed each morning by backbench MPs, and up to two may be selected each day by the Speaker. Chosen Urgent Questions are announced 30 minutes before Parliament sits each day.
Each Urgent Question requires a Government Minister to give a response on the debate topic.
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Torcuil Crichton (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab)
I have to say that this is a very underpowered urgent question. It is similar to a two-stroke engine attached to a rowing boat—[Interruption.]
Mr Speaker
Order. When I decide on an urgent question, I do not need to be questioned about how urgent it is, or whether it is like a two-stroke engine or a 50 cc—actually, some of us think it might be a three litre.
Torcuil Crichton
I was, of course, referring to the shadow Minister, the hon. Member for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine (Andrew Bowie), who knows full well that he has missed the story here. Petrofac went into administration because the Dutch Government cut a contract for offshore wind farm developments. I dare say that that raises concerns about the viability for finance and the supply chain for the offshore wind farm industry, but as the Minister has pointed out, and as the shadow Minister well knows, Petrofac is successful in the UK. It has 2,000 jobs in the UK and it has contracts in the UK, so we need less scaremongering from this underpowered Opposition and more assurance from the Minister that he will look after those jobs.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Torcuil Crichton and Lindsay Hoyle(1 month, 3 weeks ago)
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Torcuil Crichton (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab)
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)
Thank you, Mr Speaker. I hope the House will bear with me, as I fear I may be losing my voice. Some people may be happy about that, but I will attempt to get through as best I can.
This Government are determined to ensure that everyone has access to the skills, support and confidence they need to take part in a modern digital society, wherever they live and whatever their circumstances. This is a hugely important issue in my hon. Friend’s constituency, which I believe has one of the lowest levels—if not the lowest level—of broadband coverage in the country. Building Digital UK recently signed a £157 million contract to deliver broadband across the Western Isles, including in my hon. Friend’s constituency. He is determined to make sure this happens as an urgent priority, as am I.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Torcuil Crichton and Lindsay Hoyle(4 months, 3 weeks ago)
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Torcuil Crichton (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab)
I welcome the UK-India trade deal, which is good for salmon and good for whisky. Will the Secretary of State use his muscle to ensure that a chain of small distilleries in my constituency and across Scotland can sell a wee dram to India, as well as the big brands?
Mr Speaker, I would like to draw the House’s attention to reports of a crash on take-off of a London-bound Air India flight from India today, and allow the Secretary of State to express our concern.
Mr Speaker
It is very important, and I think the Leader of the House will make reference to it when we get to business questions—if we get there.
Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill
Debate between Torcuil Crichton and Lindsay Hoyle(5 months, 2 weeks ago)
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Torcuil Crichton (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab)
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I thought this was a debate to discuss amendments, not a general debate.
Mr Speaker
It is, but I think this is the opening lead-in to the amendments. I will make that judgment call.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Torcuil Crichton and Lindsay Hoyle(5 months, 3 weeks ago)
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Torcuil Crichton (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (Lab)