Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Nick Smith and Dan Rogerson(10 years, 1 month ago)
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Dan Rogerson
I have a great deal of respect for the hon. Gentleman and in the past we have both been members of the all-party group on this issue. The fact is that we have excellent staff in the Environment Agency working very hard on these issues, and in the recent Budget we secured an extra £5 million to tackle waste crime. It is a priority for the Government, and we should ensure that the businesses that operate effectively, fairly and safely are protected from those that act unscrupulously. That is why we are investing extra money in tackling this issue.
Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)
5. What steps his Department is taking to encourage water companies to introduce social tariffs; and if he will make a statement.
Oral Answers to Questions
Debate between Nick Smith and Dan Rogerson(10 years, 5 months ago)
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Dan Rogerson
I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend that broadband is crucial for the future of the rural economy. He sets out that if other communication links are cut for any reason, businesses will be even more reliant on it, so it is absolutely right that we press forward with it. I hope that communities in his local area will receive the benefits of schemes that we are putting in place nationally.
Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)
2. What plans he has to tackle the effect of rising water bills on the cost of living.
Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab)
Asthma UK has condemned the Government’s proposals to reduce air quality monitoring across the UK. Will the Minister drop these damaging proposals?
Dan Rogerson
We want to focus our efforts on reducing air pollution, and we are confident that we will have enough information coming back from monitoring to ensure that we can update the position. As I said in answer to a previous question, this issue remains a Government priority and we will take action on it at European, national and local levels.