Immigration

Debate between Lord Henley and Lord Willoughby de Broke

Wednesday 7th December 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Henley]

Perhaps the noble Lord and I could have a discussion about this at another time and in another place. The simple fact is that some control has to be brought in because the numbers are unsustainable in the long run. The noble Lord does not agree with me; we will have to remain not agreeing on this subject. However, there are limits to the number of people we can fit into the country.

[Lord Willoughby de Broke]

My Lords, if the aim is to reduce net immigration, will the noble Lord say whether he is going to repatriate the power over immigration from the EU? It would surely help to reduce net immigration if we controlled immigration from the EU.

[Lord Henley]

My Lords, there are no plans to do so.

Energy: Large Combustion Plant Directive

Debate between Lord Henley and Lord Willoughby de Broke

Tuesday 20th July 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord Willoughby de Broke]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what are their intentions as regards the large combustion plant directive and the generating plants concerned.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Henley)]

My Lords, the Government’s intention is that all combustion plants in the UK which are subject to that directive should comply with its requirements.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Willoughby de Broke]

My Lords, I am grateful for that frank Answer. However, can the Minister confirm that, under the provisions of that directive, 25 per cent of the UK’s generating capacity is due to close down by 2015? Would it not be preferable for the United Kingdom’s energy policy to be made by the Government and the Parliament in this country rather than contract it out to the European Commission?

[Lord Henley]

My Lords, I cannot confirm the noble Lord’s figure; I would not accept that it will be as high as 25 per cent by 2015. I accept that a number of plants are so dirty in their emissions that they will have to close in due course, but I can confirm that other generating capacity is coming on stream in time to replace those that will close.