Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Huhne and Gordon Henderson

Thursday 26th January 2012 Commons Chamber

[Chris Huhne]

We have traditionally benefited enormously in this country, both under the previous Government and under this Government, from our open-door policy on foreign investment. Indeed, we own a substantial amount of investment in other countries. The swiftness with which the arrangements have been put in place suggests that there is no case for reviewing that policy at this stage.

[Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) (Con)]

6. If he will hold a review of the smart meter infrastructure upgrade.

--- Later in debate ---

[Chris Huhne]

We disagree, respectfully, with the Court of Appeal’s judgment, and that is precisely why we intend to go to the Supreme Court. Clearly, given that we disagree, the issue of liability at this stage does not arise.

[Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) (Con)]

Half an hour ago the Thamesteel works in my constituency went into administration, with the potential loss of 400 jobs. Obviously I hope that the administrators will find somebody to take over the plant as soon as possible, but any successor will face similar problems with the high cost of energy as do so many other companies in the energy-intensive industry. What can my right hon. Friend do to help such companies?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Huhne and Gordon Henderson

Thursday 1st December 2011 Commons Chamber

[Chris Huhne]

We will continue to investigate this matter with the energy companies. Some people on prepayment meters used to pay higher tariffs than even the standard rate, but that is no longer the case and they now pay less. That is a substantial step forward, but it is not the end of the story. We will continue to work on this, as I am aware—as is the right hon. Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint)—that it is a key area of vulnerability.

[Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) (Con)]

The planned roll-out of smart meters across the UK will entail millions of homes being fitted with new devices. Will steps be taken to ensure that such devices are interoperable so that they do not act as a disincentive to consumers switching suppliers in order to get a better deal?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Huhne and Gordon Henderson

Thursday 7th July 2011 Commons Chamber

[Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) (Con)]

T6. What is my right hon. Friend doing to encourage the Danish company Vestas to build a wind turbine factory in my constituency?

[Chris Huhne]

I thank my hon. Friend for that question. I am very keen to see Vestas come back to the UK market as a manufacturer. I remember visiting its plant on the Isle of Wight some years ago, and it had a manufacturing facility in Woolston close to my constituency. The fact that it is looking at re-establishing itself in the UK is enormously encouraging, and we are in conversations with the company. Clearly, Sheerness as a site is not an assisted area and therefore would not benefit from the subsidies that have been found for assisted areas, but it has other advantages, of which I am sure Vestas is well aware from its discussions with my hon. Friend, and I very much hope that it takes that decision to go forward.