Oral Answers to Questions

Scott Mann Excerpts
Tuesday 8th November 2016

(7 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Nick Hurd Portrait Mr Hurd
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I assure the hon. Gentleman that in developing the industrial strategy, the development of skills and upgrading our skills base across the country must be fundamental to success, and we will of course maintain a high level of engagement with devolved Administrations.

Scott Mann Portrait Scott Mann (North Cornwall) (Con)
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In North Cornwall, we have a company called Water Powered Technologies that builds hydroelectric pumps, which enable businesses to generate electricity through renewable means and, of course, support the local economy in Bude. Does my hon. Friend agree that the hydroelectric sector should be encouraged more and that we should go further and develop these technologies to help consumers?

Nick Hurd Portrait Mr Hurd
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I certainly agree with my hon. Friend that huge potential remains for the UK to generate energy from our natural resources and our water assets. The real test in the future will be how competitive those technologies are against comparable technologies. I am sure that my hon. Friend does not need any lessons from us on the need to be very cost-conscious at this moment in time.