Oral Answers to Questions

Alan Whitehead Excerpts
Tuesday 13th December 2016

(7 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Jesse Norman Portrait Jesse Norman
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I certainly do, and I am very glad that my hon. Friend has brought that to the attention of the House.

Alan Whitehead Portrait Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab)
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After the latest capacity auction, the overall scores for the procurement of new combined cycle gas generation plant stand at one small buildable plant over three auctions, at a total cost so far of £3 billion and £12 a year on customer bills. Does the Secretary of State have any other good ideas up his sleeve to secure the procurement and building of new capacity up to 2020?

Jesse Norman Portrait Jesse Norman
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As the hon. Gentleman will know, the gas capacity market auction was an enormous success. It secured a widespread diversity of supply at low cost and in higher amounts than ever before, and it included some innovative new technologies. The Department should be celebrated for managing this.