:00:00. > :00:00.government. As soon as practicable. I hope that it will be posshble to
:00:00. > :00:10.hold those elections soon after the House returns in October. Order
:00:11. > :00:15.Questions to the Secretary of State for business, energy and industrial
:00:16. > :00:21.strategy. Question number one, Mr Speaker. Thank you very much indeed.
:00:22. > :00:27.With your permission, I'll `nswer this together with questions ten and
:00:28. > :00:33.13. Since I was appointed on the 14th of July, my colleagues and I
:00:34. > :00:36.have met with businesses, investors, workers and local leaders in all
:00:37. > :00:41.four home nations, as well `s travelling to India and Jap`n.
:00:42. > :00:44.Furthermore for the first thme, each local enterprise error and dach of
:00:45. > :00:52.the devolved administrations will have specific minister assigned to
:00:53. > :00:58.them in my department. -- local enterprise area. I think thd
:00:59. > :01:03.Secretary of State from his answer and also welcome the whole team to
:01:04. > :01:05.the new department as well. The aerospace industry is absolttely
:01:06. > :01:10.vital to the west of England economy. Not just for jobs, but also
:01:11. > :01:15.for growth as well. We'll bd Secretary of State work with me in
:01:16. > :01:20.order to ensure that the entire aerospace industry receives the
:01:21. > :01:26.support it requires and desdrves? Mr Speaker, I certainly will do that.
:01:27. > :01:30.One of the biggest privilegds of this job is to be reunited with
:01:31. > :01:35.aerospace, and I got to know the sector when I was science mhnister.
:01:36. > :01:40.My first ministerial meeting, visit, was with breakfast with the
:01:41. > :01:44.aerospace growth partnership at the Farnborough airshow, where H ran
:01:45. > :01:54.into my right honourable frhend The West of England was well represented
:01:55. > :01:59.there. This is a very important sector for the economy, and will
:02:00. > :02:05.have my wholehearted support. Thank you, Mr Speaker. I too would like to
:02:06. > :02:10.pass on my welcome to the ndw ministerial team. I've had ` number
:02:11. > :02:14.of correspondence from a few local businesses, predominantly slall who
:02:15. > :02:18.have been training with European partners over a long period of time
:02:19. > :02:23.but has recently seen supplx chain costs rise. Could he outlind his
:02:24. > :02:26.commitment to supporting our small businesses in our new relathonship
:02:27. > :02:33.with Europe, to ensure that local and regional economies conthnue to
:02:34. > :02:40.grow? I will indeed. What I will say, I know many small businesses in
:02:41. > :02:46.her constituency. We have m`de over ?3 billion available to smaller
:02:47. > :02:50.businesses. She will know that from April next year, the small business
:02:51. > :02:57.rate relief will double perlanently. That will benefit 60,000 sm`ll
:02:58. > :03:02.businesses. This is part of our continuing commitment to sm`ll
:03:03. > :03:05.business, which is the motor of the bigger businesses that generate so
:03:06. > :03:14.many jobs together with small businesses in our economy. Ly home
:03:15. > :03:18.constituency, long established, beautiful seaside destination with
:03:19. > :03:23.big future ambitions includhng 42017, a new hot air balloon
:03:24. > :03:31.Festival. Tourism is lifeblood to my town -- including 2017. I'm
:03:32. > :03:34.delighted to welcome the Eastbourne hospitality Association. Can the
:03:35. > :03:38.Minister tell me if he has had discussions with the tourisl
:03:39. > :03:43.industry around reducing thd level of VAT on tourism services to bring
:03:44. > :03:46.us into line with competitive destinations in the European Union
:03:47. > :03:50.and give our industry the competitive platform from which it
:03:51. > :03:54.can stimulate investment, create jobs, deliver growth and take full
:03:55. > :04:03.advantages of the opportunities in life after Brexit? My honourable
:04:04. > :04:07.friend is a big campaign in the tourism industry. I welcome her
:04:08. > :04:12.visitors here today. We havd one of the highest VAT threshold is in the
:04:13. > :04:17.European Union here in the TK so that many small businesses don't
:04:18. > :04:22.need to charge VAT. Of course, I will continue my discussions with
:04:23. > :04:28.her. The hot air balloon Festival sounds a very tempting excursion,
:04:29. > :04:33.perhaps for many members in this house. And I look forward to
:04:34. > :04:40.continuing these discussions of her and her colleagues. Does thd
:04:41. > :04:46.Secretary of State agree th`t British business people are fat and
:04:47. > :04:56.spent too much time on the golf course? And lazy? And lazy. Mr
:04:57. > :04:59.Speaker, I am yet to meet a lady businessperson, starting with my own
:05:00. > :05:03.father, who was up before d`wn every morning running his own small
:05:04. > :05:06.business. My friend is right in reminding us that across thd whole
:05:07. > :05:11.country, every business needs to work hard as it does every day of
:05:12. > :05:14.the week, that is the secret to our competitive success. That is the way
:05:15. > :05:20.we will continue to prosper as a nation. In light of comments made
:05:21. > :05:25.last week by the Japanese ambassador, the Secretary of State
:05:26. > :05:29.will be aware that Nissan, based in my constituency, contributes ?2 1
:05:30. > :05:36.billion to the UK balance of trade. And it exports 80% of all c`rs made
:05:37. > :05:42.at the plant in Sunderland. What opportunities to PC for automotive
:05:43. > :05:46.companies such as Nissan in a post-Brexit strategy and will he
:05:47. > :05:51.commit to meeting this Niss`n as soon as possible? I will not only
:05:52. > :05:56.make that commitment but tell her that I have already done so and have
:05:57. > :06:01.met the Japanese ambassador. The automotive sector and Nissan in
:06:02. > :06:06.particular is a hugely important and valued part, not only of thd
:06:07. > :06:11.Honourable Lady's constituency, but of the whole country. And it has our
:06:12. > :06:18.full hearted support. The albassador and I have met twice. I think it's
:06:19. > :06:22.very encouraging that the J`panese ambassador on behalf of the
:06:23. > :06:25.government shares with us their priorities for our negotiathon. That
:06:26. > :06:29.is exactly the sort of relationship that I hope and expect to h`ve our
:06:30. > :06:33.partners around the world. Will people be aware of the great anger
:06:34. > :06:38.felt by Britain's wealth crdators at the comments of his right honourable
:06:39. > :06:42.colleague. What conversations, not just to them, but to our reputation
:06:43. > :06:45.abroad, what conversations `s he had specifically with his right
:06:46. > :06:50.honourable friend and with the Prime Minister about liberating the
:06:51. > :06:55.damage? My right honourable friend has been vigorous during thd summer
:06:56. > :07:03.in going around the world, promoting the case for British business, as is
:07:04. > :07:06.his job. And members will h`ve the support of everyone in this House if
:07:07. > :07:10.they join the effort that wd are making to promote the great
:07:11. > :07:15.opportunities already in thhs country, and the further
:07:16. > :07:19.opportunities to come. Speaker, Secretary of State, can I ask you if
:07:20. > :07:23.you agree that free trade is at the heart of a prosperous econoly? And
:07:24. > :07:27.will you and your front bench colleagues be resisting any attempts
:07:28. > :07:34.to impose any form of protectionism when we come to negotiating future
:07:35. > :07:37.trade arrangements? The deb`te goes through the Channel. I'm not
:07:38. > :07:42.expressing any view, but I think I know what the Honourable gentleman
:07:43. > :07:45.had in mind. I think free trade courses through the veins of this
:07:46. > :07:50.country. It is one of the rdasons that we've been most successful Our
:07:51. > :07:54.surprise last week to hear ` commitment to free trade described
:07:55. > :07:58.as dogma. I think it is one of our strengths, and he has an absolute
:07:59. > :08:05.assurance that this will be very much at the four of our repttation
:08:06. > :08:11.in the future as well as past. Can I welcome the Business Secret`ry to
:08:12. > :08:15.his new post. He certainly has his work cut out. Australia says it s
:08:16. > :08:20.going to take at least thred years after Brexit to a trade deal can be
:08:21. > :08:23.in place of the UK, while the United States, Japan and China havd already
:08:24. > :08:28.expressed their views about the prospects of foreign investlent and
:08:29. > :08:34.trade with the UK. Can he tdll us what he is doing to get behhnd UK
:08:35. > :08:36.businesses and deal with thd concerns of our internation`l
:08:37. > :08:42.partners following the Brexht Fred? And can I say to him, that he could
:08:43. > :08:47.do better -- could not do bdtter than start telling his colldagues to
:08:48. > :08:51.get behind business and stop insulting them. I would be
:08:52. > :08:54.interested in the support of the party opposite for promoting British
:08:55. > :09:00.business around the world, `nd he will know from our previous work on
:09:01. > :09:04.local growers, he'll always have a willing ear and assistance from me
:09:05. > :09:07.in doing that. He was kind dnough to welcome me. Can I welcome the front
:09:08. > :09:11.bench team opposite that has been formed. I have to say, the
:09:12. > :09:17.Honourable gentleman who was my shadow in my DC LG role has followed
:09:18. > :09:25.me here. Perhaps not so much shadow as a stalker, but I regarded as
:09:26. > :09:34.flattery. I think it is important. Relationships are important.
:09:35. > :09:39.I think it's important you get to know our partners around thd world.
:09:40. > :09:45.I have done that and my colleagues have done that. I visited otr
:09:46. > :09:52.investors and manufacturers in Japan and India, and I will continue to do
:09:53. > :09:57.so. Cambridge is a net contributor to the Treasury. 20,000 bushnesses
:09:58. > :10:02.generating revenue of over ?30 billion. We have had cross-party
:10:03. > :10:08.meetings with business leaddrs about the application of breaks gdt for
:10:09. > :10:12.our local colony. -- implic`tions of Brexit. What the Minister mdet in my
:10:13. > :10:19.constituency to discuss these implications? I remain and hnfuse
:10:20. > :10:24.yesterday visited the Cambrhdge It is one of the important features of
:10:25. > :10:27.our industrial strategy is to have a clear recognition of the
:10:28. > :10:35.contribution of the local ldadership of different places bring. H have
:10:36. > :10:42.appointed minister as the lhaison with Cambridge, but I would be very
:10:43. > :10:46.happy to visit myself in future I welcome the Secretary of State and
:10:47. > :10:53.his team to their positions. There are challenges, one of which is the
:10:54. > :10:57.trade deficit increasing to ?2. billion. A problem unlikely to be
:10:58. > :11:06.resolved waive the withdraw`l from the single market. Scotland voted to
:11:07. > :11:11.remain, Scotland wishes to remain on -- unhindered in its access to the
:11:12. > :11:16.markets, this analysis support that or does he remain committed to feel
:11:17. > :11:21.English Brexit. Many members of the House wdre
:11:22. > :11:26.impressed by the Honourable member and's contribution to last weeks
:11:27. > :11:33.debate. I will work very hard to make sure our negotiating m`ndate
:11:34. > :11:36.reflects all parts of the United Kingdom. It was a United Kingdom
:11:37. > :11:41.decision to come out of the European Union, will make the most of it
:11:42. > :11:45.together. The Scottish Government analysis in
:11:46. > :11:49.terms of the UK withdrawal from the European Union is that it could cost
:11:50. > :11:55.the Scottish economy at best ?1 7 billion a year, and at worst ?1 .2
:11:56. > :11:58.billion. I repeat, will he lake the case from his department for
:11:59. > :12:05.continued membership of the European market humour I made clear hn my
:12:06. > :12:10.answer earlier that free tr`de is what we want to see.
:12:11. > :12:14.In further discussions, not only with the devolved administr`tions
:12:15. > :12:18.but with business investors around the world, we will make surd the
:12:19. > :12:25.negotiating mandate we have is ambitious and will ensure the
:12:26. > :12:33.brightest future for the whole United Kingdom.
:12:34. > :12:38.With your permission, Mr Spdaker, I will answer this question whth
:12:39. > :12:41.question four. I said on thd 28th of July the Government will consider
:12:42. > :12:48.all the component parts of the Hinkley Point C proposed project
:12:49. > :12:55.before coming to a decision. We will do just that, and the Prime Minister
:12:56. > :13:01.said this week, a decision will be research next month.
:13:02. > :13:04.My recent summer surgery to, a number of constituents raisdd
:13:05. > :13:08.concerns about the cost to the taxpayer of the Hinkley Point C
:13:09. > :13:15.development. Barclays estim`ted that even as EDF that delivers four years
:13:16. > :13:20.late, and 25% over budget, ht would still make a profit on the deal
:13:21. > :13:25.with the deficit being pickdd up over the next 35 years by ordinary
:13:26. > :13:29.people. Does the Minister think such a public subsidy provides v`lue for
:13:30. > :13:33.the taxpayer? As I said in my answer, we `re
:13:34. > :13:38.looking at all components of the deal and will make a decision before
:13:39. > :13:42.the end of the month. I do think it is a responsible act on the part of
:13:43. > :13:48.the Government to consider our energy supplies for the futtre in
:13:49. > :13:52.the long term. I know the Scottish Government has turned its f`ce
:13:53. > :13:56.against new nuclear. We reg`rd that as an important part of a dhverse
:13:57. > :14:03.energy mix that gives resilhence to UK consumers.
:14:04. > :14:08.Given that the Brexiter votd has thrown the energy sector further
:14:09. > :14:11.uncertainty, and given that we note that energy from renewable sources
:14:12. > :14:18.will be cheaper and new killer by the time Hinkley is completdd, is it
:14:19. > :14:23.not time for the UK to follow the Scottish Government's example and
:14:24. > :14:30.embrace cheaper, safer and lore plans for alternatives to ntke the?
:14:31. > :14:34.Winston Churchill said that in energy, diversity and the rdst is
:14:35. > :14:38.the foundation for security. I think those are wise words and we are wise
:14:39. > :14:46.to have a range of energy sources, now and in the future. Incltding
:14:47. > :14:51.renewables, of course. I strongly support the Primd
:14:52. > :14:55.Minister's decision on this, given that China insists on trying to hack
:14:56. > :14:58.not only state agencies as well as our commercial companies, pttting
:14:59. > :15:07.two fingers up to the arbitration Court in the Hague, these are people
:15:08. > :15:13.through with which we should stop with a long spoon, and I colmend the
:15:14. > :15:17.paper written by the intellhgence committee and is Malcolm Rifkind
:15:18. > :15:23.three years ago. I am grateful for these comlents. He
:15:24. > :15:28.will know the commits went we have made is to look at all components of
:15:29. > :15:32.the proposed deal and to make our decision very shortly. We whll
:15:33. > :15:39.report to the House when we have done that and reports on a decision
:15:40. > :15:41.at that point. The Government is very wise to take
:15:42. > :15:46.a deep breath before committing itself to the massive cost of
:15:47. > :15:52.Hinkley. Evidence is mounting all the time in terms of new technology.
:15:53. > :16:00.In particular, fusion rather than vision, battery storage and so on. I
:16:01. > :16:02.do commend the Government for considering this decision vdry
:16:03. > :16:07.slowly. I am grateful to my right honourable
:16:08. > :16:12.friend. I think it is important for such an important decision to make
:16:13. > :16:17.sure a new Government looks at all the components. Looking to the
:16:18. > :16:22.future for energy supply, I think it is important and we benefit from the
:16:23. > :16:31.full range of technologies, including some of the ones he
:16:32. > :16:35.mentioned. This came in on question ond, I
:16:36. > :16:46.haven't forgotten it, even hf he has. We'll say that full eight-hour!
:16:47. > :16:52.There is a company based in my constituency that is the prdferred
:16:53. > :17:02.supplier for reinforced stedl to build Hinkley Point C. My concern is
:17:03. > :17:08.being... What the Secretary of State please update the House on the
:17:09. > :17:12.timetable? The honourable lady is right that
:17:13. > :17:18.we, across all different forms of energy generation, need to tpgrade
:17:19. > :17:25.our capacity for energy gendration. Doing that will have import`nt
:17:26. > :17:29.advantages for other companhes, including steel suppliers, right
:17:30. > :17:35.across the United Kingdom. Hn terms of a decision on Hinkley, wd will
:17:36. > :17:41.take it before the end of the month. Can my right honourable fridnds
:17:42. > :17:44.confirm that, as well as thd proposed new killer power station at
:17:45. > :17:50.Hinkley Point C, the other part of that package, a new Chinese hyphens
:17:51. > :18:00.assigned station also remains on the table?
:18:01. > :18:05.The decision is on the parthcular contract difference at Hinkley Point
:18:06. > :18:11.C, that is what we are revidwing and we will take that decision when that
:18:12. > :18:15.review has been completed. I'd to welcome the front bench to
:18:16. > :18:26.their new positions, along with my stalker friend. After putting 2 ,000
:18:27. > :18:30.highly skilled jobs at risk, after jeopardising 500 much-needed stem
:18:31. > :18:37.apprenticeships, after offending the Chinese Government and riskhng
:18:38. > :18:40.billions of pounds of investment in the UK economy, after sheddhng shock
:18:41. > :18:44.waves to the investment comlunity who think the premise that now
:18:45. > :18:48.doesn't understand the meanhng of investment possession, does the
:18:49. > :18:53.Secretary of State agree with those in the industry who think that the
:18:54. > :18:58.Prime Minister's courses approach now looks like dithering?
:18:59. > :19:03.I prefer the Prime Minister's cautious approach to the approach of
:19:04. > :19:06.the honourable gentleman, which is completely inconsistent, as far as I
:19:07. > :19:12.can see. He criticises the Government for reviewing thhs
:19:13. > :19:16.important decision, but says at the same time we should take three
:19:17. > :19:22.months to seriously review the decision. There is a contradiction
:19:23. > :19:28.in his position. But it doesn't surprise me, because it is the
:19:29. > :19:32.complete absence of an energy policy during the 13 years of the previous
:19:33. > :19:37.Labour governments, that we knew new killer power station is werd going
:19:38. > :19:42.to come to the end of their life, this Government is making ddcisions
:19:43. > :19:50.proper, serious way, making up for the last time under the Labour
:19:51. > :19:54.years. I am delighted the Prime Minister
:19:55. > :19:58.has asked me to leap the historic task of leading a proper industrial
:19:59. > :20:03.strategy for this country. We have it once in a generation chance to
:20:04. > :20:07.embrace the new opportunitids of our global role and upgrade our economy
:20:08. > :20:11.to work for everyone. We will work with industry, local leaders,
:20:12. > :20:15.innovators, employees and consumers to create conditions for future
:20:16. > :20:19.success. May I also take the opportunity to
:20:20. > :20:25.congratulate the entire front bench teams on their appointment. The word
:20:26. > :20:29.industrial strategy often conjure up images of manufacturing and heavy
:20:30. > :20:41.industry. Can the Secretary of State confirm that...
:20:42. > :20:44.It seems to me that in projdcting forward how we are going to earn a
:20:45. > :20:49.living as a nation, we look to our strengths. It is correct th`t the
:20:50. > :20:55.service sector is one of our greatest drinks. We must crdate the
:20:56. > :20:59.conditions for that prosper in the future.
:21:00. > :21:02.Then I also welcome the secretary of state to what is a fantastic and
:21:03. > :21:08.ambitious, interesting and challenging brief. I wish hhm and is
:21:09. > :21:15.team all the best. Can the secretary of state state precisely ex`ctly how
:21:16. > :21:18.this new industrial strategx marks a change in Government approach to
:21:19. > :21:23.collaborate with business and intervention in the economy, or is
:21:24. > :21:26.it just a change to the old approach?
:21:27. > :21:32.It is certainly not that. I would welcome the involvement of the new
:21:33. > :21:38.Select Committee, which I think will be important, and making sure we
:21:39. > :21:42.capture everything we need to make a success of this. I don't thhnk it is
:21:43. > :21:48.brand-new in that we build on success. We talked with the
:21:49. > :21:52.Honourable gentleman's colldague on the automotive sector. We know that
:21:53. > :21:59.has been basic that the good source of strength. The environment we are
:22:00. > :22:01.created with firms in the sdctor, capacities and scientific
:22:02. > :22:05.institutions has been cruci`l to success. We will build on the strong
:22:06. > :22:11.foundations and expressed vdry clearly our path for the future
:22:12. > :22:17.As the Government formulates its industrial strategy, and urge my
:22:18. > :22:25.right honourable friend to look at the American research progr`mme
:22:26. > :22:30.which funds the stages after... Would he consider a UK equivalents?
:22:31. > :22:37.I'm grateful to my honourable friend is very well informed about the need
:22:38. > :22:41.to translate research success into small business success. I'm sure we
:22:42. > :22:47.can talk further about it. I work on the new team, but I'm sure
:22:48. > :22:52.even the secretary of state that this isn't going to be a full
:22:53. > :22:58.English Brexit, it's going to be a dog's Brexit. Thank you much, I m
:22:59. > :23:03.going to be here all week. On a doctoral strategy, one of the
:23:04. > :23:09.problems we face -- industrhal strategy, is that many parts of the
:23:10. > :23:15.UK are now post-industrial. Areas have one industry like tourhsm, iron
:23:16. > :23:20.and steel or shipbuilding. Will he make sure that we take this
:23:21. > :23:24.opportunity to invest in those areas to increase productivity and those
:23:25. > :23:30.forgotten areas? They're not forgotten. The right
:23:31. > :23:34.honourable gentleman is good at the one-liners, and the creativd
:23:35. > :23:39.industries are a great source of strength, including comedians. I
:23:40. > :23:43.would say, if you look around the world at some of the most stccessful
:23:44. > :23:50.blazers, successful cities hn particular, they have developed in a
:23:51. > :23:54.way that they have resilience through different industries, even
:23:55. > :24:00.where the was the single, dominant industry. That is precisely we want
:24:01. > :24:01.to work with local leaders to make sure we strengthen the resilience of
:24:02. > :24:14.our regional centres. And the Minister for consumdr
:24:15. > :24:19.affairs, who is a brilliant retweet, particularly of my interview today.
:24:20. > :24:23.As part of my strategy, I hope my right honourable friend will
:24:24. > :24:28.recognise the importance of science and innovation. In my consthtuency,
:24:29. > :24:31.we are a microcosm in the ftture of Britain, and I hope that it will
:24:32. > :24:38.feature strongly in his str`tegy. It certainly will. The strength of
:24:39. > :24:41.science, not least in Oxfordshire, is one of our national strengths. It
:24:42. > :24:49.will absolutely be in the hdart of our strategy. Secretary of State,
:24:50. > :24:53.how will he ensure that futtre industrial strategy is mindful of
:24:54. > :24:59.Northern Ireland's particul`r reliance on EU support and `ccess to
:25:00. > :25:04.the common market? As I said earlier, we will make sure that we
:25:05. > :25:07.work with our colleagues across the United Kingdom. I had a productive
:25:08. > :25:12.meeting with Simon Hamilton during the summer to make sure that we
:25:13. > :25:15.coordinate our efforts with those of policymakers in Northern Irdland. It
:25:16. > :25:18.needs to be joined up, it whll be, and will make sure that our
:25:19. > :25:24.negotiating mandate reflects contributions from across the UK. Mr
:25:25. > :25:31.Speaker, I join others in wdlcoming the front bench. The countrx is very
:25:32. > :25:36.badly on balance at the momdnt, and we will support any realisthc
:25:37. > :25:40.thoroughgoing industrial strategy that is developed. We now h`ve a
:25:41. > :25:45.strategy's gone over the sulmer BHS has gone bust, 11,000 jobs gone
:25:46. > :25:56.Sports Direct playing less than minimum wage. -- paying less than.
:25:57. > :26:00.Meanwhile, the companies ard being called fat and lazy. There hs still
:26:01. > :26:07.no clear and unambiguous progress on the steel industry. It has been over
:26:08. > :26:12.two years since the consult`tion ended. When will he make cldar that
:26:13. > :26:16.the pensions of tens of thotsands of loyal, hard-working steelworkers
:26:17. > :26:22.will be properly protected? When it comes to the steel industry, it is
:26:23. > :26:28.very important industry in our country. I grew up in Teesshde,
:26:29. > :26:31.where it was particularly prominent. I've had some very productive
:26:32. > :26:35.discussions during the summdr, including visiting South Wales, to
:26:36. > :26:40.make sure that the government can give the right support to a
:26:41. > :26:43.sustainable future for the steel industry. They have been very
:26:44. > :26:48.constructive discussions and I'm very happy to make sure that he is
:26:49. > :27:03.aware of them. Number five, Mr Speaker. Thank you, Mr Speaker.
:27:04. > :27:06.Solar deployment has been a real UK success story, with almost 01
:27:07. > :27:10.gigawatts of capacity now installed. Of course, it is appropriatd to
:27:11. > :27:14.allow now for a period of stability following the changes made to
:27:15. > :27:17.protect consumer bills. The Secretary of State continues to keep
:27:18. > :27:25.the performance of the schele under review. The PricewaterhouseCoopers
:27:26. > :27:30.report in July showed almost 60 of companies are looking to diversify
:27:31. > :27:34.away from solar, and nearly four in ten considering leaving the solar
:27:35. > :27:38.market entirely as a result of your policy changes. What steps will the
:27:39. > :27:44.Minister take to avoid business confidence in this important sector
:27:45. > :27:46.dropping further? There is remarkably little sign that
:27:47. > :27:50.confidence is dropping in the sector. There is recognition that
:27:51. > :27:54.those changes had to be madd, and the sector has responded relarkably
:27:55. > :27:58.resilient knee to the changds made. Let us not forget that they have
:27:59. > :28:04.also been spreading expertise in solar internationally. Dodgd
:28:05. > :28:11.resiliently. This is a long,term success story. I welcome thd team to
:28:12. > :28:14.their new roles. A signific`nt employer in my constituency have
:28:15. > :28:20.contacted me regarding concdrns about the re-evaluations of business
:28:21. > :28:25.rates, rooftop solar. The rdsult is a six to eight fold increasd in
:28:26. > :28:29.rates. Would my friend agredd to meet with representatives from the
:28:30. > :28:35.company to see how these effects can be mitigated? I'm grateful for the
:28:36. > :28:41.question. I know the companx well, it has substantial operation in
:28:42. > :28:45.Herefordshire. Of course, it is right to acknowledge that v`luations
:28:46. > :28:48.in this area are made by thd independent evaluation office. The
:28:49. > :28:52.department liaising with thd industry and the office on this
:28:53. > :28:58.issue, but I certainly would be delighted to meet with the company
:28:59. > :29:03.and him to discuss it. Has the Minister done any analysis of the
:29:04. > :29:08.relationship of payback perhods for commercial and rooftop solar,
:29:09. > :29:14.particularly school solar, hn relation to that proposed hhke in
:29:15. > :29:19.business rates quiz back -- business rates? Does he intend to ch`nge
:29:20. > :29:23.tariffs if the valuation coles into place? I simply repeat that the
:29:24. > :29:27.matter is under review. We haven't seen what the agency proposds, and
:29:28. > :29:32.we will look at it closely when we see what they have done. Thd
:29:33. > :29:39.Minister talks about stabilhty, by which he is referring to a 83% drop
:29:40. > :29:45.in solar installations this year. After a 64% cut in subsidy to solar,
:29:46. > :29:49.and eight fold hike in the proposed business rates, it would appear that
:29:50. > :29:54.the next attack on solar renewables is already being planned. C`n the
:29:55. > :29:59.Minister confirmed whether ht is by incompetence or by calculathon that
:30:00. > :30:03.changes to charges put forw`rd by the regulator to end the unfair
:30:04. > :30:06.advantage to highly polluting diesel generators, will in fact negatively
:30:07. > :30:13.impact on small-scale renew`bles like solar? I think it is whdely
:30:14. > :30:17.understood, Mr Speaker, that the sector needed some changes to the
:30:18. > :30:24.feed in tariffs, because thd effect of them was to hit consumers very
:30:25. > :30:30.hard in the pocket. These charges are paid by consumers. Let's not
:30:31. > :30:34.forget that 99% of all solar panels installed have been installdd over
:30:35. > :30:43.the last six years. Number six, Mr Speaker. With permission, Mr
:30:44. > :30:48.Speaker, I will answer six with seven. This government supports
:30:49. > :30:53.innovation, soon to be part of UK research and innovation. It has
:30:54. > :30:56.invested over ?1.8 billion hn innovation since 2007. Innovators
:30:57. > :31:02.connecting businesses to local growth through its regional
:31:03. > :31:07.managers. There is also support through ?200 million of loc`l growth
:31:08. > :31:13.funding. As Channel and -- `s chairman, the space industrx has
:31:14. > :31:18.outgrown the economy by 10% or through the austerity years. The
:31:19. > :31:22.space industry is worried about the issues caused by Brexiteer dven
:31:23. > :31:27.though it is outside the European Union. Which he give us your
:31:28. > :31:34.reassurance that the industry will not be an overlooked? We recognise
:31:35. > :31:37.the value of space to our economy and are working closely with
:31:38. > :31:40.industry to understand their concerns. Also working closdly
:31:41. > :31:44.across government to understand the impact of the referendum and all the
:31:45. > :31:47.opportunities associated with it, and will continue to do this as we
:31:48. > :31:53.shape our future relationshhp with European Union. Thank you, Speaker.
:31:54. > :31:56.The success of our agriculttral industry is dependent on thd latest
:31:57. > :32:00.innovations in agricultural science and technology driven forward by
:32:01. > :32:04.world leading research centres like one on the outskirts of York. What
:32:05. > :32:08.assurances can the Minister give that agri- food research will
:32:09. > :32:12.continue to play an important role in the government's overall strategy
:32:13. > :32:18.so for supporting innovation and ultimately delivering food security?
:32:19. > :32:21.This government is investing ?1 0 million in agri- tech, incltding
:32:22. > :32:24.incentives for agricultural innovation to ensure that otr world
:32:25. > :32:34.leading science is improving productivity and farms. In `ddition,
:32:35. > :32:36.a week UK wide food innovathon network which is to be launched very
:32:37. > :32:39.shortly, will give businessds greater access to technologx and
:32:40. > :32:42.science. Will be Minister ensure that the devolved legislatures right
:32:43. > :32:45.across the United Kingdom, the relevant ministers there, are
:32:46. > :32:49.brought together to ensure the best practice in innovation right across
:32:50. > :32:53.the United Kingdom is not jtst replicated but brought forw`rd in
:32:54. > :33:01.each of the relevant sections across the UK? Mr Speaker, we are working
:33:02. > :33:05.closely with the devolved administrations as we put through
:33:06. > :33:08.the creation of UK research and innovation. Excellent science and
:33:09. > :33:13.innovation will be supported through this new body, and we look forward
:33:14. > :33:17.to continuing to fund excellence in science and innovation wherdver it
:33:18. > :33:23.is found in the United Kingdom. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Innovation is
:33:24. > :33:27.key to our regional economids, helping to create high skilled,
:33:28. > :33:30.well-paid jobs. Innovation needs investment and research and
:33:31. > :33:36.development, and small businesses to make a success of new ideas.
:33:37. > :33:42.European funding has helped grow our regional innovation infrastructure,
:33:43. > :33:48.the Northeast alone receives ?1 0 million in research funding from now
:33:49. > :33:52.until 2020. While 72% of EU funding to UK businesses goes to sm`ll and
:33:53. > :33:57.medium-sized businesses. Will the minister commit to matching the
:33:58. > :34:04.funding for innovation which currently comes from the European
:34:05. > :34:08.Union? Mr Speaker, we have been monitoring the impact, or any
:34:09. > :34:14.impact, on our research institutions and businesses since the referendum.
:34:15. > :34:17.The announcement on August the 3th by HM Treasury that it will
:34:18. > :34:20.underwrite the rifle of the project or competitively bid for EU research
:34:21. > :34:30.funding that is applied for performed a partner -- underwrite
:34:31. > :34:42.for the life of the project funding that is applied for before
:34:43. > :34:46.departure. Consumer product safety is a government priority. Wd have an
:34:47. > :34:53.effective system of product brief call and have established a steering
:34:54. > :34:58.group to consider recommend`tions in the 2016 product recall revhew. We
:34:59. > :35:04.will engage with the London Fire Brigade on their campaign as part of
:35:05. > :35:08.our regular dialogue with them. You'll be aware of the fire in
:35:09. > :35:17.Shepherd's Bush tower block last month caused by a defective towel
:35:18. > :35:20.dry. The woman could do nothing to stop the fire destroying her home
:35:21. > :35:27.and 25 others. Does the Minhster agree that such drivers can continue
:35:28. > :35:31.to be used if not unattended is irresponsible and dangerous, and
:35:32. > :35:36.will she get it changed -- such tumble dryers? I was shocked to hear
:35:37. > :35:39.about the serious fire in the Honourable member's constittency and
:35:40. > :35:43.understand his concerns abott the safety of tumble dryers. Thd advice
:35:44. > :35:46.being provided by the company is based on a full risk assesslent of
:35:47. > :35:52.the products that has been `greed with Peterborough City Council
:35:53. > :35:54.trading standards, who are the lead enforcement of authority for
:35:55. > :35:58.Whirpool. Trading standards will continue to monitor the sittation
:35:59. > :36:03.and to have powers to order further action if they consider it
:36:04. > :36:09.appropriate. Tumble dryer fhres each day in this country, almost 250
:36:10. > :36:14.since the start of 2012. Will the Minister ensure there are fhreproof
:36:15. > :36:17.labels on all tumble dryers with make, model, serial number, so that
:36:18. > :36:25.when fires do occur they can be traced to the manufacturer? I thank
:36:26. > :36:29.my honourable friend for his question. Although there have been
:36:30. > :36:35.the serious fires, they do `ctually represents less than 0.2% of the
:36:36. > :36:45.total numbers of tumble drydrs sold. So we have to keep these thhngs in
:36:46. > :36:49.perspective. The review that provides an overview of the current
:36:50. > :36:55.consumer product recall system. And the independent recall revidw group,
:36:56. > :36:59.comprised of industry safetx experts and the chief fire officers
:37:00. > :37:06.Association, will complete the work on these recommendations. Ntmber
:37:07. > :37:10.nine, please. Is a department, where absolutely committed to enstring
:37:11. > :37:15.only safe products are placdd on the market, including laser pens. Given
:37:16. > :37:20.the risks associated with mhsuse of these pens, we are reviewing what
:37:21. > :37:26.more we can do to protect consumers and aircraft. Thank you for that
:37:27. > :37:34.answer. Last year, there was over 1300 incidents where certain laser
:37:35. > :37:39.pens were used to target aircraft and infrastructure. Will he support
:37:40. > :37:42.the bill to regulate the sale of these pence, supported by the
:37:43. > :37:46.British airline pilots Association? Can congratulate my friend for his
:37:47. > :37:51.persistence and passion in pursuing this very important issue, because
:37:52. > :37:54.there are significant risks attached to misuse. I sure that the
:37:55. > :37:58.government is taking very sdriously and there is a cross Whiteh`ll group
:37:59. > :38:01.looking urgently now at our options, including the case for further
:38:02. > :38:08.legislation. By mixing me h`ppy in that context to meet him. Would the
:38:09. > :38:13.Minister help the leading manufacturer of laser pens hn my
:38:14. > :38:16.constituency, was a great stpporter of the northern Powerhouse, and will
:38:17. > :38:22.be attending Thursday's big conference in Yorkshire. On
:38:23. > :38:27.innovation and creativity in Yorkshire. What he wants to know is
:38:28. > :38:31.why Lord O'Neill was suddenly pulled as a speaker, no substitute offered,
:38:32. > :38:35.and we hear that the governlent will not have anything to do with elected
:38:36. > :38:46.mayors all northern powerhotse. What is the situation now? Can wd talk
:38:47. > :38:53.about laser pens, rather th`n the engagements of Lord O'Neill. Let me
:38:54. > :38:55.take this opportunity to refute absolutely any suggestion that the
:38:56. > :39:01.government has lost any comlitment to the northern powerhouse hn terms
:39:02. > :39:03.of engagements. If you'd like to speak to me, I will try and throw
:39:04. > :39:15.some light. The member is a exponent of this
:39:16. > :39:24.shoehorning technique. He could broadly write a book on the subject.
:39:25. > :39:30.I welcome the question from a colleague I have enjoyed watching at
:39:31. > :39:34.work, his incisive questionhng of a fellow minister. He is now directing
:39:35. > :39:43.that Quinn eschewing to me, unfortunately. -- questioning to me.
:39:44. > :39:48.The department has received a copy of the PwC reports, this has been a
:39:49. > :39:57.great success story over thd past year is. The goal now is to try and
:39:58. > :40:03.move the industry towards the capacity to deliver without subsidy.
:40:04. > :40:05.I thank the Minister for his generous comments, and also for
:40:06. > :40:11.chairing might Select Committee I wish them well in the new role. PwC
:40:12. > :40:15.suggests a bird of solar jobs have been lost and the last year, and
:40:16. > :40:21.many more copies expect to lose staff in the next 12 months. It has
:40:22. > :40:26.been suggested that rate ch`nges will affect the industry more. What
:40:27. > :40:29.the Government taken in to `ccount these gimlet Messers and do
:40:30. > :40:34.something positive for the hndustry? I share the concerns about job
:40:35. > :40:40.losses as a result of changds in the industry. I made some points about
:40:41. > :40:44.the way the industry has ch`nged, and your report picked out the
:40:45. > :40:51.resilience of the industry `nd its capacity to respond to change,
:40:52. > :40:55.including, potentially, to Brexit. It's noticeable that of manx schemes
:40:56. > :41:01.are already quite close to being a viable without subsidy in cdrtain
:41:02. > :41:06.circumstances. The key now hs to move further towards that. We will
:41:07. > :41:14.look very closely towards the issues highlighted today.
:41:15. > :41:19.With your permission, I will answer this question together with question
:41:20. > :41:21.15. The Government has made it clear where open for business and
:41:22. > :41:26.determined to make a success of leaving EU, including seizing the
:41:27. > :41:32.opportunity to negotiate our own trade agreements.
:41:33. > :41:35.I believe leaving the EU offers great opportunity for British
:41:36. > :41:41.business going forward. We lust be aware of certain threats. Mx
:41:42. > :41:46.constituency has a business which works with an explosion protection.
:41:47. > :41:51.It is very complex and has ` registration programme with the EU.
:41:52. > :41:57.He is concerned his business will be hampered. Will my honourabld friend
:41:58. > :42:01.the vigilant of issues like this, to make sure that we are able to
:42:02. > :42:05.counter threats as well as take advantage of opportunities?
:42:06. > :42:10.We want to make sure the new relationship with the EU works for
:42:11. > :42:20.British businesses, and his constituents raises an important
:42:21. > :42:26.issue. We need to have clarhty on certification and similar issues.
:42:27. > :42:32.I'm sure we can arrange a mdeting to discuss it.
:42:33. > :42:39.Does the Minister welcome the figures that predict our exports
:42:40. > :42:49.will go up after the referendum results? And Willie confirm who he
:42:50. > :42:55.has spoken to that are positive about our potential future?
:42:56. > :43:02.I voted remain mark and belheve that we should talk up our prospdcts are
:43:03. > :43:09.not up and down. The chairm`n iron spoken to have expressed sole
:43:10. > :43:13.bizarre for more certainty but were fundamentally optimistic about our
:43:14. > :43:16.prospects. There is a British jurisdiction that
:43:17. > :43:24.is entirely accessed by road, air and by sea through another Duropean
:43:25. > :43:28.Union member state, and that is the British Overseas Territory of
:43:29. > :43:31.Gibraltar. They are absolutdly of the opinion they need to retain
:43:32. > :43:36.access to the single Europe`n market. What discussions as a hat
:43:37. > :43:43.with Gibraltarian counterparts to ensure that happens? -- discussions
:43:44. > :43:47.has he had? We are engaged with a series of
:43:48. > :43:53.discussions with stakeholders and Gibraltar will be part of that.
:43:54. > :43:57.With the Minister or his te`m meet with the leader of the official
:43:58. > :44:01.opposition in Northern Irel`nd, where we have an excellent document
:44:02. > :44:07.on the vision of the future of Northern Ireland after Brexht?
:44:08. > :44:12.The short answer is yes, we are very keen to harvest all opinions and
:44:13. > :44:18.ideas on how we meet this fundamental and exciting ch`llenge
:44:19. > :44:21.of how we transition to a post-Brexit world that works for
:44:22. > :44:29.British business. Topical questions.
:44:30. > :44:35.The Department of business dnergy and a doctoral strategy was formed
:44:36. > :44:43.on the 14th of July, and it is my privilege to serve as the fhrst
:44:44. > :44:47.Secretary of State. We are creating a new focus on industrial strategy.
:44:48. > :44:51.This is a powerful departments, out of the task of promoting a
:44:52. > :44:55.competitor, low carbon economy. And an economy that works for everyone.
:44:56. > :44:59.As part of an excellent teal of ministers and officials, I will
:45:00. > :45:08.continue to work both locally and globally on the challenges `head.
:45:09. > :45:12.The Swansea Bay tidal ago, `long the Cardiff Bay, new port and Bridgwater
:45:13. > :45:20.Bay has the potential to crdate huge energy. Second largest rise and fall
:45:21. > :45:24.in the world's tides. When `re we going to get a result, we nded
:45:25. > :45:31.long-term funding for a project which will reach 8% of our dnergy?
:45:32. > :45:36.My understanding is that thd feasibility study is being
:45:37. > :45:39.undertaken. I haven't received it final conclusions yet. At that
:45:40. > :45:47.point, I will look with the same interest as my honourable friend.
:45:48. > :45:53.The European Commission says that Apple should cough up ?30 mhllion in
:45:54. > :45:59.taxes for revenues created `cross the EU, including the UK. Most
:46:00. > :46:02.businesses pay their fair share of taxes and expects all other
:46:03. > :46:07.businesses, large or small, to do the same. Can the Secretary of State
:46:08. > :46:12.confirm he is doing everythhng he can to make sure the very bhggest
:46:13. > :46:18.companies pay up, and also that we receive our share of the ?13 billion
:46:19. > :46:22.Apple tax pie? It is a reasonable point. The
:46:23. > :46:25.responsibilities that come with being in business in this country
:46:26. > :46:30.and paying taxes that contrhbute to public services that we enjoy as
:46:31. > :46:35.part of that. He does have my assurance that we
:46:36. > :46:41.will make sure that we purste the correct tax by all companies that
:46:42. > :46:46.locate here. On Thursday I'll be chairing a panel
:46:47. > :46:51.at the enterprise innovation and Northern Powerhouse conference. In
:46:52. > :46:56.developing an industrial strategy, does the Minister agree with me that
:46:57. > :47:03.we need to do to win more hdarts and minds and then North. More dxamples
:47:04. > :47:10.of regional procurement and more jobs in the North, particul`rly with
:47:11. > :47:14.HS2 perhaps starting from the North? The passion with which my honourable
:47:15. > :47:19.friend makes his point tests to the opportunities that are in otr
:47:20. > :47:22.industrial strategy to make sure that growth is across the United
:47:23. > :47:27.Kingdom, including Yorkshird. He will know I have taken great
:47:28. > :47:32.interest in this and my previous roles, he can be assured th`t
:47:33. > :47:37.interest will not be diminishing. The current review of network
:47:38. > :47:43.charging for small embedded generators will mean huge increases
:47:44. > :47:47.in the costs of these small generators. If the department just
:47:48. > :47:53.determined to make energy gdneration the preserve of big businesses?
:47:54. > :47:59.No, I categorically refute that What we have to do is strikd a
:48:00. > :48:03.balance between looking to drive down the costs of all sourcds of
:48:04. > :48:08.carbon generation, while delivering the best value for consumers and
:48:09. > :48:15.taxpayers. That includes reviews of terrace.
:48:16. > :48:23.Can the Minister ensure that breaks and financial services, and tourism
:48:24. > :48:27.sectors, as we approach European negotiations?
:48:28. > :48:35.I can assure the honourable member that we plan to put at the heart of
:48:36. > :48:37.industrial strategy science and innovation, financial services as
:48:38. > :48:44.part of the services sector will also play an important part of our
:48:45. > :48:47.strategy. Last week, the Government committed
:48:48. > :48:53.to ratifying the Paris clim`te agreement. Will commit to doing so
:48:54. > :48:59.for the next conference of parties in Morocco is the Government can
:49:00. > :49:06.play a full role in that sulmit We helped shape the Paris agreement,
:49:07. > :49:14.we said we will ratify as soon as possible, that remains our position.
:49:15. > :49:17.Britain is undoubtedly a world reader in scientific research. Will
:49:18. > :49:22.my right honourable friend detail what role science will pay to the
:49:23. > :49:27.macro play in the Government's strategy?
:49:28. > :49:37.It will position the UK as ` leader for the 21st-century. The bho
:49:38. > :49:43.economy is worth billions, 36%. . The potential is there to grow, and
:49:44. > :49:47.will continue to invest strongly. The Secretary of State is a
:49:48. > :49:53.thoughtful man who, I believe, is serious about regional growth. Will
:49:54. > :49:57.he assured me I'm right in this understanding by cancelling his
:49:58. > :50:02.predecessor's decision to cdntralise department functions in London.
:50:03. > :50:08.Thereby maintaining and building upon its presence in Sheffidld?
:50:09. > :50:12.I would say that I am certahnly very attached to the work done in
:50:13. > :50:17.Sheffield, and the valued colleagues we have up there. The decishon has
:50:18. > :50:23.made some time ago, and manx changes had been made. We sort out the
:50:24. > :50:26.responsibilities of different parts of the departments, I'll look
:50:27. > :50:36.carefully at what Sheffield can provide.
:50:37. > :50:42.What can be done to make colmunity energy schemes are viable?
:50:43. > :50:49.As explained previously, thd Government is very committed to the
:50:50. > :50:55.deployment of renewable energy, and has had considerable success in that
:50:56. > :51:01.field. The expansion of Heathrow would
:51:02. > :51:06.create demand for 370,000 tonnes of steel, and secure 700 steel jobs. So
:51:07. > :51:10.it is not only in the interdst of the UK economy generally th`t we
:51:11. > :51:14.expand Heathrow, but specifhcally in the interest of the manufacturing
:51:15. > :51:18.sector. So why don't we just get on with it, had the vote in thd
:51:19. > :51:22.chamber, and get on with buhlding the third runway?
:51:23. > :51:27.I would say that across manx different forms of infrastrtcture,
:51:28. > :51:32.we do need an upgrade in thd infrastructure we have. That'll have
:51:33. > :51:36.many important benefit to the steel industry, including in Sheffield.
:51:37. > :51:40.It's hugely encouraging the Government is developing thhs
:51:41. > :51:46.compounds of industrial str`tegy, which I believe for great boost and
:51:47. > :51:50.confidence and our steel industry. Can the Minister update a House what
:51:51. > :51:55.discussions he has had about the role he will play?
:51:56. > :52:01.I have had extensive discussions with these steel industry. Ht is
:52:02. > :52:07.important we should have a hs a stable future for what is an
:52:08. > :52:11.important factor in our economy A shipping company has gone into
:52:12. > :52:16.receivership, leaving billions of goods at sea. The inability to dock
:52:17. > :52:22.has impacted on UK retail, critically juddering Christlas
:52:23. > :52:29.trading... We have a lot to get through.
:52:30. > :52:38.What action is seat taking to assist traders and our seafarers?
:52:39. > :52:40.Will that away. In terms of immediate impact, the Local
:52:41. > :52:47.Enterprise Partnership are dngaged with making sure the delays are
:52:48. > :52:53.going to be overcome. Many will commence at the Mhnister
:52:54. > :53:01.for putting science at the centre of a strategy, but I wonder of as he
:53:02. > :53:06.plans for the future of the life sciences industry if he will work
:53:07. > :53:10.with the Minister of health, because the health service will be critical
:53:11. > :53:16.to the growth of that industry? I was interested to read my
:53:17. > :53:21.honourable friend's article earlier this week making this point. In some
:53:22. > :53:26.point in the Government takds a collective approach on this, I've
:53:27. > :53:31.already had discussions with the Health Secretary and how we can make
:53:32. > :53:35.the most of the NHS. What the Government look ag`in at
:53:36. > :53:42.the unjust 50% Government claw back from the mine workerss' pension
:53:43. > :53:46.service? I will certainly take that `way and
:53:47. > :53:49.I'm happy to meet with the honourable leader issued like to
:53:50. > :53:57.inform you more about this outside the chamber.
:53:58. > :54:03.Does the Department intent to develop a single industrial strategy
:54:04. > :54:05.for the whole country, or h`ve different strategies differdnt parts
:54:06. > :54:09.of the country? My honourable friend makes a good point. It seems to me
:54:10. > :54:13.essential that of course we should have a strategy for the whole
:54:14. > :54:18.country, but place is incredibly important. The challenges of the
:54:19. > :54:22.places like greater Manchester are different from those of Cornwall. We
:54:23. > :54:25.should reflect the different strengths and opportunities more
:54:26. > :54:33.clearly in how we do business as a government. Does the Ministdr accept
:54:34. > :54:37.that changes to subsidy for the CHP biomass plants have been brought in
:54:38. > :54:42.to quickly and longer grace period before an implementation should have
:54:43. > :54:46.been granted? In my constittency, they are doing what the govdrnment
:54:47. > :54:50.want by investing in renewable technology but stand to losd 3
:54:51. > :54:55.million in support. Will he meet with me to discuss these ch`nges?
:54:56. > :54:58.All kindness and charity to the honourable gentleman that hd was at
:54:59. > :55:05.his best at the end of the first sentence. A blue pencil shotld
:55:06. > :55:11.therefore after have been applied. As a former treasurer of thd SNP, he
:55:12. > :55:16.knows a bit about the challdnges as cost control. He knows in the
:55:17. > :55:21.context of these changes, are overriding aim is to providd better
:55:22. > :55:25.value for the tax payer. Thdy will apply to new participants whth they
:55:26. > :55:30.fully qualify for the schemd. Those who fully qualified on or after the
:55:31. > :55:33.1st of August will be subject to the change. If it is a specific issue
:55:34. > :55:41.your wish is to raise with le I ll be happy to meet him. Brexit
:55:42. > :55:49.provides the UK with an opportunity to be the global leader in dnergy
:55:50. > :55:53.technology. Offshore wind, dnergy storage and carbon capture. Can the
:55:54. > :55:57.Minister confirm that the government will reset energy policy so that the
:55:58. > :56:01.country can take full advantage of this great opportunity? My
:56:02. > :56:05.honourable friend is absolutely right. One of the historic strengths
:56:06. > :56:09.of the United Kingdom is in areas such as marine engineering `nd power
:56:10. > :56:14.engineering, which is at thd heart of the opportunities around the
:56:15. > :56:19.world as many countries look to develop their capacity in rdnewable
:56:20. > :56:23.energy. This is a big opportunity, especially for his constitudncy Can
:56:24. > :56:26.the Secretary of State guar`ntee that all employment protecthon
:56:27. > :56:29.currently enjoyed by British workers will be maintained post Brexit and
:56:30. > :56:39.does he back my bill to do just that? We will certainly look
:56:40. > :56:41.carefully at the Honourable Lady's bill. Employment protections are an
:56:42. > :56:52.absolute priority for this government. The financial vhability
:56:53. > :56:58.of many low-carbon on-site heat and power technologies is under threat
:56:59. > :57:02.due to the reduction in the terror. Would his department considdr having
:57:03. > :57:06.a separate tariff rate for the new technologies rather than behng
:57:07. > :57:12.treated the same as other technologies? -- reduction hn the
:57:13. > :57:18.tariff. The government is rdviewing how the renewable heat incentive
:57:19. > :57:22.works and is being forced to make some changes to tariffs in order to
:57:23. > :57:26.provide better value for thd tax payer. I'm more than happy to sit
:57:27. > :57:31.down and talk with him about his suggestion. Welcome Secretary of
:57:32. > :57:37.State to his place as I do ly colleague. A new report frol a
:57:38. > :57:42.professor of Aberdeen University has found the re-engineering of the
:57:43. > :57:45.fiscal regime may be necess`ry before we reach the North Sda's
:57:46. > :57:48.potential. What further support will the government bring forward for the
:57:49. > :57:54.oil and gas sector in the Attumn Statement? Very productive set of
:57:55. > :57:59.discussions in Aberdeen durhng the summer with representatives of the
:58:00. > :58:01.oil and gas sector. The indtstry centred in Aberdeen but involving
:58:02. > :58:09.other places in the country is very important. We have made big changes
:58:10. > :58:16.for the fiscal regime but wd'll continue to have those disctssions.
:58:17. > :58:22.He earlier described his self as being on a historic task in writing
:58:23. > :58:25.industrial strategy. If he studies strategy, it is written prilarily by
:58:26. > :58:29.civil servants and ministers tend to fail. What steps will he take to
:58:30. > :58:32.engage businesses in Lancashire to make sure we have a successful
:58:33. > :58:37.strategy? I'm grateful for ly honourable friend's point. Ht is the
:58:38. > :58:40.case that an industrial str`tegy for the country should not be
:58:41. > :58:45.instructions from ministers or civil servants to businesses and the rest
:58:46. > :58:50.of the country. We are engaging with businesses all across the country
:58:51. > :58:53.and in every different sector to make sure they have the support they
:58:54. > :58:56.need. Does the Secretary of State believe it is conceivable this
:58:57. > :59:01.country can negotiate for mdmbership of the single market without
:59:02. > :59:09.accepting free movement? Mr Speaker, the Honourable gentleman entices me
:59:10. > :59:15.into making early decisions on what our negotiating mandate shotld be. I
:59:16. > :59:19.think it is the sensible stdp to be careful and to put together our
:59:20. > :59:24.negotiating brief and to do that in consultation with businesses and
:59:25. > :59:28.every part of the country. Speaker, I welcome the government's `nd
:59:29. > :59:34.genuine commitment to the Northern Powerhouse. Will the secret`ry of
:59:35. > :59:42.state meet with me and other leaders to maximise benefit? I'm always keen
:59:43. > :59:45.to meet the Honourable gentleman, despite the fact that I've loved
:59:46. > :59:54.from one department to another. I hope the invitation to fish and
:59:55. > :59:58.chips still stands! Is a joxous state has met with many bushnesses.
:59:59. > :00:02.Can he list which of those businesses support leaving the
:00:03. > :00:07.single market -- the Secret`ry of State has met. What I can s`y is
:00:08. > :00:10.that we are putting together the priorities we have for our
:00:11. > :00:14.negotiating in consultation with businesses in all parts of the
:00:15. > :00:19.country. She will have the chance through her party to contribute to
:00:20. > :00:24.the Scottish Government to contribute to that, and we'll
:00:25. > :00:29.publish that when we have fhnished. There are 50 air B in Newark and
:00:30. > :00:35.Cuba have cut the cost of a night out in Nottingham by almost 50%
:00:36. > :00:39.Will he support innovative disruptive technologies are not
:00:40. > :00:46.buried our heads in the sand. - and Uber have cut the cost. He
:00:47. > :00:48.highlights the importance of innovation in driving industrial
:00:49. > :00:52.growth and little undoubtably be in the centre of the industrial
:00:53. > :00:56.strategy as it is rolled out. Following the recommendation of the
:00:57. > :01:00.select committee to remove Paul Newby as adjudicator, new evidence
:01:01. > :01:06.has emerged that shows that he failed to properly declare his
:01:07. > :01:10.interests and also middle at the -- misled the select committee. Will he
:01:11. > :01:14.restore confidence in this post by now sacking him? My underst`nding is
:01:15. > :01:19.that the appointment followdd a proper process. That is what I
:01:20. > :01:22.understand to have taken pl`ce, but I will look at the suggestion is
:01:23. > :01:31.that the Honourable gentlem`n has just raised. And generally sorry to
:01:32. > :01:34.disappoint remaining colleagues I have extended the envelope rather
:01:35. > :01:42.substantially, but we must now move on. Point of Gardner -- point of
:01:43. > :01:46.honour. I haven't contacted by leading businessmen up and down the
:01:47. > :01:52.country regarding the effichency and effectiveness of members of this
:01:53. > :01:57.house. They have asked me if they could not be informal ratings of how
:01:58. > :01:58.hard members