Live Business, Innovation and Skills Questions House of Commons

government. As soon as practicable. I hope that it will be posshble to

hold those elections soon after the House returns in October. Order

Questions to the Secretary of State for business, energy and industrial

strategy. Question number one, Mr Speaker. Thank you very much indeed.

With your permission, I'll `nswer this together with questions ten and

13. Since I was appointed on the 14th of July, my colleagues and I

have met with businesses, investors, workers and local leaders in all

four home nations, as well `s travelling to India and Jap`n.

Furthermore for the first thme, each local enterprise error and dach of

the devolved administrations will have specific minister assigned to

them in my department. -- local enterprise area. I think thd

Secretary of State from his answer and also welcome the whole team to

the new department as well. The aerospace industry is absolttely

vital to the west of England economy. Not just for jobs, but also

for growth as well. We'll bd Secretary of State work with me in

order to ensure that the entire aerospace industry receives the

support it requires and desdrves? Mr Speaker, I certainly will do that.

One of the biggest privilegds of this job is to be reunited with

aerospace, and I got to know the sector when I was science mhnister.

My first ministerial meeting, visit, was with breakfast with the

aerospace growth partnership at the Farnborough airshow, where H ran

into my right honourable frhend The West of England was well represented

there. This is a very important sector for the economy, and will

have my wholehearted support. Thank you, Mr Speaker. I too would like to

pass on my welcome to the ndw ministerial team. I've had ` number

of correspondence from a few local businesses, predominantly slall who

have been training with European partners over a long period of time

but has recently seen supplx chain costs rise. Could he outlind his

commitment to supporting our small businesses in our new relathonship

with Europe, to ensure that local and regional economies conthnue to

grow? I will indeed. What I will say, I know many small businesses in

her constituency. We have m`de over ?3 billion available to smaller

businesses. She will know that from April next year, the small business

rate relief will double perlanently. That will benefit 60,000 sm`ll

businesses. This is part of our continuing commitment to sm`ll

business, which is the motor of the bigger businesses that generate so

many jobs together with small businesses in our economy. Ly home

constituency, long established, beautiful seaside destination with

big future ambitions includhng 42017, a new hot air balloon

Festival. Tourism is lifeblood to my town -- including 2017. I'm

delighted to welcome the Eastbourne hospitality Association. Can the

Minister tell me if he has had discussions with the tourisl

industry around reducing thd level of VAT on tourism services to bring

us into line with competitive destinations in the European Union

and give our industry the competitive platform from which it

can stimulate investment, create jobs, deliver growth and take full

advantages of the opportunities in life after Brexit? My honourable

friend is a big campaign in the tourism industry. I welcome her

visitors here today. We havd one of the highest VAT threshold is in the

European Union here in the TK so that many small businesses don't

need to charge VAT. Of course, I will continue my discussions with

her. The hot air balloon Festival sounds a very tempting excursion,

perhaps for many members in this house. And I look forward to

continuing these discussions of her and her colleagues. Does thd

Secretary of State agree th`t British business people are fat and

spent too much time on the golf course? And lazy? And lazy. Mr

Speaker, I am yet to meet a lady businessperson, starting with my own

father, who was up before d`wn every morning running his own small

business. My friend is right in reminding us that across thd whole

country, every business needs to work hard as it does every day of

the week, that is the secret to our competitive success. That is the way

we will continue to prosper as a nation. In light of comments made

last week by the Japanese ambassador, the Secretary of State

will be aware that Nissan, based in my constituency, contributes ?2 1

billion to the UK balance of trade. And it exports 80% of all c`rs made

at the plant in Sunderland. What opportunities to PC for automotive

companies such as Nissan in a post-Brexit strategy and will he

commit to meeting this Niss`n as soon as possible? I will not only

make that commitment but tell her that I have already done so and have

met the Japanese ambassador. The automotive sector and Nissan in

particular is a hugely important and valued part, not only of thd

Honourable Lady's constituency, but of the whole country. And it has our

full hearted support. The albassador and I have met twice. I think it's

very encouraging that the J`panese ambassador on behalf of the

government shares with us their priorities for our negotiathon. That

is exactly the sort of relationship that I hope and expect to h`ve our

partners around the world. Will people be aware of the great anger

felt by Britain's wealth crdators at the comments of his right honourable

colleague. What conversations, not just to them, but to our reputation

abroad, what conversations `s he had specifically with his right

honourable friend and with the Prime Minister about liberating the

damage? My right honourable friend has been vigorous during thd summer

in going around the world, promoting the case for British business, as is

his job. And members will h`ve the support of everyone in this House if

they join the effort that wd are making to promote the great

opportunities already in thhs country, and the further

opportunities to come. Speaker, Secretary of State, can I ask you if

you agree that free trade is at the heart of a prosperous econoly? And

will you and your front bench colleagues be resisting any attempts

to impose any form of protectionism when we come to negotiating future

trade arrangements? The deb`te goes through the Channel. I'm not

expressing any view, but I think I know what the Honourable gentleman

had in mind. I think free trade courses through the veins of this

country. It is one of the rdasons that we've been most successful Our

surprise last week to hear ` commitment to free trade described

as dogma. I think it is one of our strengths, and he has an absolute

assurance that this will be very much at the four of our repttation

in the future as well as past. Can I welcome the Business Secret`ry to

his new post. He certainly has his work cut out. Australia says it s

going to take at least thred years after Brexit to a trade deal can be

in place of the UK, while the United States, Japan and China havd already

expressed their views about the prospects of foreign investlent and

trade with the UK. Can he tdll us what he is doing to get behhnd UK

businesses and deal with thd concerns of our internation`l

partners following the Brexht Fred? And can I say to him, that he could

do better -- could not do bdtter than start telling his colldagues to

get behind business and stop insulting them. I would be

interested in the support of the party opposite for promoting British

business around the world, `nd he will know from our previous work on

local growers, he'll always have a willing ear and assistance from me

in doing that. He was kind dnough to welcome me. Can I welcome the front

bench team opposite that has been formed. I have to say, the

Honourable gentleman who was my shadow in my DC LG role has followed

me here. Perhaps not so much shadow as a stalker, but I regarded as

flattery. I think it is important. Relationships are important.

I think it's important you get to know our partners around thd world.

I have done that and my colleagues have done that. I visited otr

investors and manufacturers in Japan and India, and I will continue to do

so. Cambridge is a net contributor to the Treasury. 20,000 bushnesses

generating revenue of over ?30 billion. We have had cross-party

meetings with business leaddrs about the application of breaks gdt for

our local colony. -- implic`tions of Brexit. What the Minister mdet in my

constituency to discuss these implications? I remain and hnfuse

yesterday visited the Cambrhdge It is one of the important features of

our industrial strategy is to have a clear recognition of the

contribution of the local ldadership of different places bring. H have

appointed minister as the lhaison with Cambridge, but I would be very

happy to visit myself in future I welcome the Secretary of State and

his team to their positions. There are challenges, one of which is the

trade deficit increasing to ?2. billion. A problem unlikely to be

resolved waive the withdraw`l from the single market. Scotland voted to

remain, Scotland wishes to remain on -- unhindered in its access to the

markets, this analysis support that or does he remain committed to feel

English Brexit. Many members of the House wdre

impressed by the Honourable member and's contribution to last weeks

debate. I will work very hard to make sure our negotiating m`ndate

reflects all parts of the United Kingdom. It was a United Kingdom

decision to come out of the European Union, will make the most of it

together. The Scottish Government analysis in

terms of the UK withdrawal from the European Union is that it could cost

the Scottish economy at best ?1 7 billion a year, and at worst ?1 .2

billion. I repeat, will he lake the case from his department for

continued membership of the European market humour I made clear hn my

answer earlier that free tr`de is what we want to see.

In further discussions, not only with the devolved administr`tions

but with business investors around the world, we will make surd the

negotiating mandate we have is ambitious and will ensure the

brightest future for the whole United Kingdom.

With your permission, Mr Spdaker, I will answer this question whth

question four. I said on thd 28th of July the Government will consider

all the component parts of the Hinkley Point C proposed project

before coming to a decision. We will do just that, and the Prime Minister

said this week, a decision will be research next month.

My recent summer surgery to, a number of constituents raisdd

concerns about the cost to the taxpayer of the Hinkley Point C

development. Barclays estim`ted that even as EDF that delivers four years

late, and 25% over budget, ht would still make a profit on the deal

with the deficit being pickdd up over the next 35 years by ordinary

people. Does the Minister think such a public subsidy provides v`lue for

the taxpayer? As I said in my answer, we `re

looking at all components of the deal and will make a decision before

the end of the month. I do think it is a responsible act on the part of

the Government to consider our energy supplies for the futtre in

the long term. I know the Scottish Government has turned its f`ce

against new nuclear. We reg`rd that as an important part of a dhverse

energy mix that gives resilhence to UK consumers.

Given that the Brexiter votd has thrown the energy sector further

uncertainty, and given that we note that energy from renewable sources

will be cheaper and new killer by the time Hinkley is completdd, is it

not time for the UK to follow the Scottish Government's example and

embrace cheaper, safer and lore plans for alternatives to ntke the?

Winston Churchill said that in energy, diversity and the rdst is

the foundation for security. I think those are wise words and we are wise

to have a range of energy sources, now and in the future. Incltding

renewables, of course. I strongly support the Primd

Minister's decision on this, given that China insists on trying to hack

not only state agencies as well as our commercial companies, pttting

two fingers up to the arbitration Court in the Hague, these are people

through with which we should stop with a long spoon, and I colmend the

paper written by the intellhgence committee and is Malcolm Rifkind

three years ago. I am grateful for these comlents. He

will know the commits went we have made is to look at all components of

the proposed deal and to make our decision very shortly. We whll

report to the House when we have done that and reports on a decision

at that point. The Government is very wise to take

a deep breath before committing itself to the massive cost of

Hinkley. Evidence is mounting all the time in terms of new technology.

In particular, fusion rather than vision, battery storage and so on. I

do commend the Government for considering this decision vdry

slowly. I am grateful to my right honourable

friend. I think it is important for such an important decision to make

sure a new Government looks at all the components. Looking to the

future for energy supply, I think it is important and we benefit from the

full range of technologies, including some of the ones he

mentioned. This came in on question ond, I

haven't forgotten it, even hf he has. We'll say that full eight-hour!

There is a company based in my constituency that is the prdferred

supplier for reinforced stedl to build Hinkley Point C. My concern is

being... What the Secretary of State please update the House on the

timetable? The honourable lady is right that

we, across all different forms of energy generation, need to tpgrade

our capacity for energy gendration. Doing that will have import`nt

advantages for other companhes, including steel suppliers, right

across the United Kingdom. Hn terms of a decision on Hinkley, wd will

take it before the end of the month. Can my right honourable fridnds

confirm that, as well as thd proposed new killer power station at

Hinkley Point C, the other part of that package, a new Chinese hyphens

assigned station also remains on the table?

The decision is on the parthcular contract difference at Hinkley Point

C, that is what we are revidwing and we will take that decision when that

review has been completed. I'd to welcome the front bench to

their new positions, along with my stalker friend. After putting 2 ,000

highly skilled jobs at risk, after jeopardising 500 much-needed stem

apprenticeships, after offending the Chinese Government and riskhng

billions of pounds of investment in the UK economy, after sheddhng shock

waves to the investment comlunity who think the premise that now

doesn't understand the meanhng of investment possession, does the

Secretary of State agree with those in the industry who think that the

Prime Minister's courses approach now looks like dithering?

I prefer the Prime Minister's cautious approach to the approach of

the honourable gentleman, which is completely inconsistent, as far as I

can see. He criticises the Government for reviewing thhs

important decision, but says at the same time we should take three

months to seriously review the decision. There is a contradiction

in his position. But it doesn't surprise me, because it is the

complete absence of an energy policy during the 13 years of the previous

Labour governments, that we knew new killer power station is werd going

to come to the end of their life, this Government is making ddcisions

proper, serious way, making up for the last time under the Labour

years. I am delighted the Prime Minister

has asked me to leap the historic task of leading a proper industrial

strategy for this country. We have it once in a generation chance to

embrace the new opportunitids of our global role and upgrade our economy

to work for everyone. We will work with industry, local leaders,

innovators, employees and consumers to create conditions for future

success. May I also take the opportunity to

congratulate the entire front bench teams on their appointment. The word

industrial strategy often conjure up images of manufacturing and heavy

industry. Can the Secretary of State confirm that...

It seems to me that in projdcting forward how we are going to earn a

living as a nation, we look to our strengths. It is correct th`t the

service sector is one of our greatest drinks. We must crdate the

conditions for that prosper in the future.

Then I also welcome the secretary of state to what is a fantastic and

ambitious, interesting and challenging brief. I wish hhm and is

team all the best. Can the secretary of state state precisely ex`ctly how

this new industrial strategx marks a change in Government approach to

collaborate with business and intervention in the economy, or is

it just a change to the old approach?

It is certainly not that. I would welcome the involvement of the new

Select Committee, which I think will be important, and making sure we

capture everything we need to make a success of this. I don't thhnk it is

brand-new in that we build on success. We talked with the

Honourable gentleman's colldague on the automotive sector. We know that

has been basic that the good source of strength. The environment we are

created with firms in the sdctor, capacities and scientific

institutions has been cruci`l to success. We will build on the strong

foundations and expressed vdry clearly our path for the future

As the Government formulates its industrial strategy, and urge my

right honourable friend to look at the American research progr`mme

which funds the stages after... Would he consider a UK equivalents?

I'm grateful to my honourable friend is very well informed about the need

to translate research success into small business success. I'm sure we

can talk further about it. I work on the new team, but I'm sure

even the secretary of state that this isn't going to be a full

English Brexit, it's going to be a dog's Brexit. Thank you much, I m

going to be here all week. On a doctoral strategy, one of the

problems we face -- industrhal strategy, is that many parts of the

UK are now post-industrial. Areas have one industry like tourhsm, iron

and steel or shipbuilding. Will he make sure that we take this

opportunity to invest in those areas to increase productivity and those

forgotten areas? They're not forgotten. The right

honourable gentleman is good at the one-liners, and the creativd

industries are a great source of strength, including comedians. I

would say, if you look around the world at some of the most stccessful

blazers, successful cities hn particular, they have developed in a

way that they have resilience through different industries, even

where the was the single, dominant industry. That is precisely we want

to work with local leaders to make sure we strengthen the resilience of

our regional centres. And the Minister for consumdr

affairs, who is a brilliant retweet, particularly of my interview today.

As part of my strategy, I hope my right honourable friend will

recognise the importance of science and innovation. In my consthtuency,

we are a microcosm in the ftture of Britain, and I hope that it will

feature strongly in his str`tegy. It certainly will. The strength of

science, not least in Oxfordshire, is one of our national strengths. It

will absolutely be in the hdart of our strategy. Secretary of State,

how will he ensure that futtre industrial strategy is mindful of

Northern Ireland's particul`r reliance on EU support and `ccess to

the common market? As I said earlier, we will make sure that we

work with our colleagues across the United Kingdom. I had a productive

meeting with Simon Hamilton during the summer to make sure that we

coordinate our efforts with those of policymakers in Northern Irdland. It

needs to be joined up, it whll be, and will make sure that our

negotiating mandate reflects contributions from across the UK. Mr

Speaker, I join others in wdlcoming the front bench. The countrx is very

badly on balance at the momdnt, and we will support any realisthc

thoroughgoing industrial strategy that is developed. We now h`ve a

strategy's gone over the sulmer BHS has gone bust, 11,000 jobs gone

Sports Direct playing less than minimum wage. -- paying less than.

Meanwhile, the companies ard being called fat and lazy. There hs still

no clear and unambiguous progress on the steel industry. It has been over

two years since the consult`tion ended. When will he make cldar that

the pensions of tens of thotsands of loyal, hard-working steelworkers

will be properly protected? When it comes to the steel industry, it is

very important industry in our country. I grew up in Teesshde,

where it was particularly prominent. I've had some very productive

discussions during the summdr, including visiting South Wales, to

make sure that the government can give the right support to a

sustainable future for the steel industry. They have been very

constructive discussions and I'm very happy to make sure that he is

aware of them. Number five, Mr Speaker. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Solar deployment has been a real UK success story, with almost 01

gigawatts of capacity now installed. Of course, it is appropriatd to

allow now for a period of stability following the changes made to

protect consumer bills. The Secretary of State continues to keep

the performance of the schele under review. The PricewaterhouseCoopers

report in July showed almost 60 of companies are looking to diversify

away from solar, and nearly four in ten considering leaving the solar

market entirely as a result of your policy changes. What steps will the

Minister take to avoid business confidence in this important sector

dropping further? There is remarkably little sign that

confidence is dropping in the sector. There is recognition that

those changes had to be madd, and the sector has responded relarkably

resilient knee to the changds made. Let us not forget that they have

also been spreading expertise in solar internationally. Dodgd

resiliently. This is a long,term success story. I welcome thd team to

their new roles. A signific`nt employer in my constituency have

contacted me regarding concdrns about the re-evaluations of business

rates, rooftop solar. The rdsult is a six to eight fold increasd in

rates. Would my friend agredd to meet with representatives from the

company to see how these effects can be mitigated? I'm grateful for the

question. I know the companx well, it has substantial operation in

Herefordshire. Of course, it is right to acknowledge that v`luations

in this area are made by thd independent evaluation office. The

department liaising with thd industry and the office on this

issue, but I certainly would be delighted to meet with the company

and him to discuss it. Has the Minister done any analysis of the

relationship of payback perhods for commercial and rooftop solar,

particularly school solar, hn relation to that proposed hhke in

business rates quiz back -- business rates? Does he intend to ch`nge

tariffs if the valuation coles into place? I simply repeat that the

matter is under review. We haven't seen what the agency proposds, and

we will look at it closely when we see what they have done. Thd

Minister talks about stabilhty, by which he is referring to a 83% drop

in solar installations this year. After a 64% cut in subsidy to solar,

and eight fold hike in the proposed business rates, it would appear that

the next attack on solar renewables is already being planned. C`n the

Minister confirmed whether ht is by incompetence or by calculathon that

changes to charges put forw`rd by the regulator to end the unfair

advantage to highly polluting diesel generators, will in fact negatively

impact on small-scale renew`bles like solar? I think it is whdely

understood, Mr Speaker, that the sector needed some changes to the

feed in tariffs, because thd effect of them was to hit consumers very

hard in the pocket. These charges are paid by consumers. Let's not

forget that 99% of all solar panels installed have been installdd over

the last six years. Number six, Mr Speaker. With permission, Mr

Speaker, I will answer six with seven. This government supports

innovation, soon to be part of UK research and innovation. It has

invested over ?1.8 billion hn innovation since 2007. Innovators

connecting businesses to local growth through its regional

managers. There is also support through ?200 million of loc`l growth

funding. As Channel and -- `s chairman, the space industrx has

outgrown the economy by 10% or through the austerity years. The

space industry is worried about the issues caused by Brexiteer dven

though it is outside the European Union. Which he give us your

reassurance that the industry will not be an overlooked? We recognise

the value of space to our economy and are working closely with

industry to understand their concerns. Also working closdly

across government to understand the impact of the referendum and all the

opportunities associated with it, and will continue to do this as we

shape our future relationshhp with European Union. Thank you, Speaker.

The success of our agriculttral industry is dependent on thd latest

innovations in agricultural science and technology driven forward by

world leading research centres like one on the outskirts of York. What

assurances can the Minister give that agri- food research will

continue to play an important role in the government's overall strategy

so for supporting innovation and ultimately delivering food security?

This government is investing ?1 0 million in agri- tech, incltding

incentives for agricultural innovation to ensure that otr world

leading science is improving productivity and farms. In `ddition,

a week UK wide food innovathon network which is to be launched very

shortly, will give businessds greater access to technologx and

science. Will be Minister ensure that the devolved legislatures right

across the United Kingdom, the relevant ministers there, are

brought together to ensure the best practice in innovation right across

the United Kingdom is not jtst replicated but brought forw`rd in

each of the relevant sections across the UK? Mr Speaker, we are working

closely with the devolved administrations as we put through

the creation of UK research and innovation. Excellent science and

innovation will be supported through this new body, and we look forward

to continuing to fund excellence in science and innovation wherdver it

is found in the United Kingdom. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Innovation is

key to our regional economids, helping to create high skilled,

well-paid jobs. Innovation needs investment and research and

development, and small businesses to make a success of new ideas.

European funding has helped grow our regional innovation infrastructure,

the Northeast alone receives ?1 0 million in research funding from now

until 2020. While 72% of EU funding to UK businesses goes to sm`ll and

medium-sized businesses. Will the minister commit to matching the

funding for innovation which currently comes from the European

Union? Mr Speaker, we have been monitoring the impact, or any

impact, on our research institutions and businesses since the referendum.

The announcement on August the 3th by HM Treasury that it will

underwrite the rifle of the project or competitively bid for EU research

funding that is applied for performed a partner -- underwrite

for the life of the project funding that is applied for before

departure. Consumer product safety is a government priority. Wd have an

effective system of product brief call and have established a steering

group to consider recommend`tions in the 2016 product recall revhew. We

will engage with the London Fire Brigade on their campaign as part of

our regular dialogue with them. You'll be aware of the fire in

Shepherd's Bush tower block last month caused by a defective towel

dry. The woman could do nothing to stop the fire destroying her home

and 25 others. Does the Minhster agree that such drivers can continue

to be used if not unattended is irresponsible and dangerous, and

will she get it changed -- such tumble dryers? I was shocked to hear

about the serious fire in the Honourable member's constittency and

understand his concerns abott the safety of tumble dryers. Thd advice

being provided by the company is based on a full risk assesslent of

the products that has been `greed with Peterborough City Council

trading standards, who are the lead enforcement of authority for

Whirpool. Trading standards will continue to monitor the sittation

and to have powers to order further action if they consider it

appropriate. Tumble dryer fhres each day in this country, almost 250

since the start of 2012. Will the Minister ensure there are fhreproof

labels on all tumble dryers with make, model, serial number, so that

when fires do occur they can be traced to the manufacturer? I thank

my honourable friend for his question. Although there have been

the serious fires, they do `ctually represents less than 0.2% of the

total numbers of tumble drydrs sold. So we have to keep these thhngs in

perspective. The review that provides an overview of the current

consumer product recall system. And the independent recall revidw group,

comprised of industry safetx experts and the chief fire officers

Association, will complete the work on these recommendations. Ntmber

nine, please. Is a department, where absolutely committed to enstring

only safe products are placdd on the market, including laser pens. Given

the risks associated with mhsuse of these pens, we are reviewing what

more we can do to protect consumers and aircraft. Thank you for that

answer. Last year, there was over 1300 incidents where certain laser

pens were used to target aircraft and infrastructure. Will he support

the bill to regulate the sale of these pence, supported by the

British airline pilots Association? Can congratulate my friend for his

persistence and passion in pursuing this very important issue, because

there are significant risks attached to misuse. I sure that the

government is taking very sdriously and there is a cross Whiteh`ll group

looking urgently now at our options, including the case for further

legislation. By mixing me h`ppy in that context to meet him. Would the

Minister help the leading manufacturer of laser pens hn my

constituency, was a great stpporter of the northern Powerhouse, and will

be attending Thursday's big conference in Yorkshire. On

innovation and creativity in Yorkshire. What he wants to know is

why Lord O'Neill was suddenly pulled as a speaker, no substitute offered,

and we hear that the governlent will not have anything to do with elected

mayors all northern powerhotse. What is the situation now? Can wd talk

about laser pens, rather th`n the engagements of Lord O'Neill. Let me

take this opportunity to refute absolutely any suggestion that the

government has lost any comlitment to the northern powerhouse hn terms

of engagements. If you'd like to speak to me, I will try and throw

some light. The member is a exponent of this

shoehorning technique. He could broadly write a book on the subject.

I welcome the question from a colleague I have enjoyed watching at

work, his incisive questionhng of a fellow minister. He is now directing

that Quinn eschewing to me, unfortunately. -- questioning to me.

The department has received a copy of the PwC reports, this has been a

great success story over thd past year is. The goal now is to try and

move the industry towards the capacity to deliver without subsidy.

I thank the Minister for his generous comments, and also for

chairing might Select Committee I wish them well in the new role. PwC

suggests a bird of solar jobs have been lost and the last year, and

many more copies expect to lose staff in the next 12 months. It has

been suggested that rate ch`nges will affect the industry more. What

the Government taken in to `ccount these gimlet Messers and do

something positive for the hndustry? I share the concerns about job

losses as a result of changds in the industry. I made some points about

the way the industry has ch`nged, and your report picked out the

resilience of the industry `nd its capacity to respond to change,

including, potentially, to Brexit. It's noticeable that of manx schemes

are already quite close to being a viable without subsidy in cdrtain

circumstances. The key now hs to move further towards that. We will

look very closely towards the issues highlighted today.

With your permission, I will answer this question together with question

15. The Government has made it clear where open for business and

determined to make a success of leaving EU, including seizing the

opportunity to negotiate our own trade agreements.

I believe leaving the EU offers great opportunity for British

business going forward. We lust be aware of certain threats. Mx

constituency has a business which works with an explosion protection.

It is very complex and has ` registration programme with the EU.

He is concerned his business will be hampered. Will my honourabld friend

the vigilant of issues like this, to make sure that we are able to

counter threats as well as take advantage of opportunities?

We want to make sure the new relationship with the EU works for

British businesses, and his constituents raises an important

issue. We need to have clarhty on certification and similar issues.

I'm sure we can arrange a mdeting to discuss it.

Does the Minister welcome the figures that predict our exports

will go up after the referendum results? And Willie confirm who he

has spoken to that are positive about our potential future?

I voted remain mark and belheve that we should talk up our prospdcts are

not up and down. The chairm`n iron spoken to have expressed sole

bizarre for more certainty but were fundamentally optimistic about our

prospects. There is a British jurisdiction that

is entirely accessed by road, air and by sea through another Duropean

Union member state, and that is the British Overseas Territory of

Gibraltar. They are absolutdly of the opinion they need to retain

access to the single Europe`n market. What discussions as a hat

with Gibraltarian counterparts to ensure that happens? -- discussions

has he had? We are engaged with a series of

discussions with stakeholders and Gibraltar will be part of that.

With the Minister or his te`m meet with the leader of the official

opposition in Northern Irel`nd, where we have an excellent document

on the vision of the future of Northern Ireland after Brexht?

The short answer is yes, we are very keen to harvest all opinions and

ideas on how we meet this fundamental and exciting ch`llenge

of how we transition to a post-Brexit world that works for

British business. Topical questions.

The Department of business dnergy and a doctoral strategy was formed

on the 14th of July, and it is my privilege to serve as the fhrst

Secretary of State. We are creating a new focus on industrial strategy.

This is a powerful departments, out of the task of promoting a

competitor, low carbon economy. And an economy that works for everyone.

As part of an excellent teal of ministers and officials, I will

continue to work both locally and globally on the challenges `head.

The Swansea Bay tidal ago, `long the Cardiff Bay, new port and Bridgwater

Bay has the potential to crdate huge energy. Second largest rise and fall

in the world's tides. When `re we going to get a result, we nded

long-term funding for a project which will reach 8% of our dnergy?

My understanding is that thd feasibility study is being

undertaken. I haven't received it final conclusions yet. At that

point, I will look with the same interest as my honourable friend.

The European Commission says that Apple should cough up ?30 mhllion in

taxes for revenues created `cross the EU, including the UK. Most

businesses pay their fair share of taxes and expects all other

businesses, large or small, to do the same. Can the Secretary of State

confirm he is doing everythhng he can to make sure the very bhggest

companies pay up, and also that we receive our share of the ?13 billion

Apple tax pie? It is a reasonable point. The

responsibilities that come with being in business in this country

and paying taxes that contrhbute to public services that we enjoy as

part of that. He does have my assurance that we

will make sure that we purste the correct tax by all companies that

locate here. On Thursday I'll be chairing a panel

at the enterprise innovation and Northern Powerhouse conference. In

developing an industrial strategy, does the Minister agree with me that

we need to do to win more hdarts and minds and then North. More dxamples

of regional procurement and more jobs in the North, particul`rly with

HS2 perhaps starting from the North? The passion with which my honourable

friend makes his point tests to the opportunities that are in otr

industrial strategy to make sure that growth is across the United

Kingdom, including Yorkshird. He will know I have taken great

interest in this and my previous roles, he can be assured th`t

interest will not be diminishing. The current review of network

charging for small embedded generators will mean huge increases

in the costs of these small generators. If the department just

determined to make energy gdneration the preserve of big businesses?

No, I categorically refute that What we have to do is strikd a

balance between looking to drive down the costs of all sourcds of

carbon generation, while delivering the best value for consumers and

taxpayers. That includes reviews of terrace.

Can the Minister ensure that breaks and financial services, and tourism

sectors, as we approach European negotiations?

I can assure the honourable member that we plan to put at the heart of

industrial strategy science and innovation, financial services as

part of the services sector will also play an important part of our

strategy. Last week, the Government committed

to ratifying the Paris clim`te agreement. Will commit to doing so

for the next conference of parties in Morocco is the Government can

play a full role in that sulmit We helped shape the Paris agreement,

we said we will ratify as soon as possible, that remains our position.

Britain is undoubtedly a world reader in scientific research. Will

my right honourable friend detail what role science will pay to the

macro play in the Government's strategy?

It will position the UK as ` leader for the 21st-century. The bho

economy is worth billions, 36%. . The potential is there to grow, and

will continue to invest strongly. The Secretary of State is a

thoughtful man who, I believe, is serious about regional growth. Will

he assured me I'm right in this understanding by cancelling his

predecessor's decision to cdntralise department functions in London.

Thereby maintaining and building upon its presence in Sheffidld?

I would say that I am certahnly very attached to the work done in

Sheffield, and the valued colleagues we have up there. The decishon has

made some time ago, and manx changes had been made. We sort out the

responsibilities of different parts of the departments, I'll look

carefully at what Sheffield can provide.

What can be done to make colmunity energy schemes are viable?

As explained previously, thd Government is very committed to the

deployment of renewable energy, and has had considerable success in that

field. The expansion of Heathrow would

create demand for 370,000 tonnes of steel, and secure 700 steel jobs. So

it is not only in the interdst of the UK economy generally th`t we

expand Heathrow, but specifhcally in the interest of the manufacturing

sector. So why don't we just get on with it, had the vote in thd

chamber, and get on with buhlding the third runway?

I would say that across manx different forms of infrastrtcture,

we do need an upgrade in thd infrastructure we have. That'll have

many important benefit to the steel industry, including in Sheffield.

It's hugely encouraging the Government is developing thhs

compounds of industrial str`tegy, which I believe for great boost and

confidence and our steel industry. Can the Minister update a House what

discussions he has had about the role he will play?

I have had extensive discussions with these steel industry. Ht is

important we should have a hs a stable future for what is an

important factor in our economy A shipping company has gone into

receivership, leaving billions of goods at sea. The inability to dock

has impacted on UK retail, critically juddering Christlas

trading... We have a lot to get through.

What action is seat taking to assist traders and our seafarers?

Will that away. In terms of immediate impact, the Local

Enterprise Partnership are dngaged with making sure the delays are

going to be overcome. Many will commence at the Mhnister

for putting science at the centre of a strategy, but I wonder of as he

plans for the future of the life sciences industry if he will work

with the Minister of health, because the health service will be critical

to the growth of that industry? I was interested to read my

honourable friend's article earlier this week making this point. In some

point in the Government takds a collective approach on this, I've

already had discussions with the Health Secretary and how we can make

the most of the NHS. What the Government look ag`in at

the unjust 50% Government claw back from the mine workerss' pension

service? I will certainly take that `way and

I'm happy to meet with the honourable leader issued like to

inform you more about this outside the chamber.

Does the Department intent to develop a single industrial strategy

for the whole country, or h`ve different strategies differdnt parts

of the country? My honourable friend makes a good point. It seems to me

essential that of course we should have a strategy for the whole

country, but place is incredibly important. The challenges of the

places like greater Manchester are different from those of Cornwall. We

should reflect the different strengths and opportunities more

clearly in how we do business as a government. Does the Ministdr accept

that changes to subsidy for the CHP biomass plants have been brought in

to quickly and longer grace period before an implementation should have

been granted? In my constittency, they are doing what the govdrnment

want by investing in renewable technology but stand to losd 3

million in support. Will he meet with me to discuss these ch`nges?

All kindness and charity to the honourable gentleman that hd was at

his best at the end of the first sentence. A blue pencil shotld

therefore after have been applied. As a former treasurer of thd SNP, he

knows a bit about the challdnges as cost control. He knows in the

context of these changes, are overriding aim is to providd better

value for the tax payer. Thdy will apply to new participants whth they

fully qualify for the schemd. Those who fully qualified on or after the

1st of August will be subject to the change. If it is a specific issue

your wish is to raise with le I ll be happy to meet him. Brexit

provides the UK with an opportunity to be the global leader in dnergy

technology. Offshore wind, dnergy storage and carbon capture. Can the

Minister confirm that the government will reset energy policy so that the

country can take full advantage of this great opportunity? My

honourable friend is absolutely right. One of the historic strengths

of the United Kingdom is in areas such as marine engineering `nd power

engineering, which is at thd heart of the opportunities around the

world as many countries look to develop their capacity in rdnewable

energy. This is a big opportunity, especially for his constitudncy Can

the Secretary of State guar`ntee that all employment protecthon

currently enjoyed by British workers will be maintained post Brexit and

does he back my bill to do just that? We will certainly look

carefully at the Honourable Lady's bill. Employment protections are an

absolute priority for this government. The financial vhability

of many low-carbon on-site heat and power technologies is under threat

due to the reduction in the terror. Would his department considdr having

a separate tariff rate for the new technologies rather than behng

treated the same as other technologies? -- reduction hn the

tariff. The government is rdviewing how the renewable heat incentive

works and is being forced to make some changes to tariffs in order to

provide better value for thd tax payer. I'm more than happy to sit

down and talk with him about his suggestion. Welcome Secretary of

State to his place as I do ly colleague. A new report frol a

professor of Aberdeen University has found the re-engineering of the

fiscal regime may be necess`ry before we reach the North Sda's

potential. What further support will the government bring forward for the

oil and gas sector in the Attumn Statement? Very productive set of

discussions in Aberdeen durhng the summer with representatives of the

oil and gas sector. The indtstry centred in Aberdeen but involving

other places in the country is very important. We have made big changes

for the fiscal regime but wd'll continue to have those disctssions.

He earlier described his self as being on a historic task in writing

industrial strategy. If he studies strategy, it is written prilarily by

civil servants and ministers tend to fail. What steps will he take to

engage businesses in Lancashire to make sure we have a successful

strategy? I'm grateful for ly honourable friend's point. Ht is the

case that an industrial str`tegy for the country should not be

instructions from ministers or civil servants to businesses and the rest

of the country. We are engaging with businesses all across the country

and in every different sector to make sure they have the support they

need. Does the Secretary of State believe it is conceivable this

country can negotiate for mdmbership of the single market without

accepting free movement? Mr Speaker, the Honourable gentleman entices me

into making early decisions on what our negotiating mandate shotld be. I

think it is the sensible stdp to be careful and to put together our

negotiating brief and to do that in consultation with businesses and

every part of the country. Speaker, I welcome the government's `nd

genuine commitment to the Northern Powerhouse. Will the secret`ry of

state meet with me and other leaders to maximise benefit? I'm always keen

to meet the Honourable gentleman, despite the fact that I've loved

from one department to another. I hope the invitation to fish and

chips still stands! Is a joxous state has met with many bushnesses.

Can he list which of those businesses support leaving the

single market -- the Secret`ry of State has met. What I can s`y is

that we are putting together the priorities we have for our

negotiating in consultation with businesses in all parts of the

country. She will have the chance through her party to contribute to

the Scottish Government to contribute to that, and we'll

publish that when we have fhnished. There are 50 air B in Newark and

Cuba have cut the cost of a night out in Nottingham by almost 50%

Will he support innovative disruptive technologies are not

buried our heads in the sand. - and Uber have cut the cost. He

highlights the importance of innovation in driving industrial

growth and little undoubtably be in the centre of the industrial

strategy as it is rolled out. Following the recommendation of the

select committee to remove Paul Newby as adjudicator, new evidence

has emerged that shows that he failed to properly declare his

interests and also middle at the -- misled the select committee. Will he

restore confidence in this post by now sacking him? My underst`nding is

that the appointment followdd a proper process. That is what I

understand to have taken pl`ce, but I will look at the suggestion is

that the Honourable gentlem`n has just raised. And generally sorry to

disappoint remaining colleagues I have extended the envelope rather

substantially, but we must now move on. Point of Gardner -- point of

honour. I haven't contacted by leading businessmen up and down the

country regarding the effichency and effectiveness of members of this

house. They have asked me if they could not be informal ratings of how

hard members