Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between David Hamilton and John Bercow

Thursday 1st November 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

Order. May I remind the House that there is much interest in topical questions, which I am keen to accommodate? Brief questions and brief answers would assist.

[Mr David Hamilton (Midlothian) (Lab)]

T6. Cockenzie coal-fired power station, in my neighbouring county, will close very shortly. That will be followed by a spate of closures of coal-fired power stations. What discussions is the Minister having about the gap that that will leave and the skills that will be lost in that important industry, and indeed in what we still have of the coal industry?