Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Vince Cable and Wayne David

Thursday 8th November 2012 Commons Chamber

[Vince Cable]

We do accept that proposition. That is why we have introduced the £250 million programme to provide compensation for energy intensive industries. I may have to disappoint the hon. Gentleman on the wider issue because the coalition Government are absolutely committed to the 30% target for the generation of electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Onshore wind is one of the cheaper renewables and its costs are falling. I notice that a few days ago, the hon. Gentleman tweeted that there is a big lesson here:

“If my party loses in 2015 they’ll say ‘It was wind farms wot done it’”.

All parties in the House, particularly mine, may have to brace themselves for the return of Lembit Öpik.

[Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab)]

It is true to say that there are differences within the Government on the importance of wind power. When will the Government speak with one voice so that there is a clear strategic approach, rather than the alternatives that we have before us today?

[Vince Cable]

We very much speak with one voice on this subject. I encouraged the Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change, the hon. Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr Hayes) aggressively to promote apprenticeships. I am sure that when he has settled into his new job, he will be an enthusiastic advocate of wind farms.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Vince Cable and Wayne David

Thursday 2nd February 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab)]

12. For what reasons he does not plan to implement all the recommendations of the High Pay Commission.

[The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Vince Cable)]

I welcome the High Pay Commission’s valuable contribution to this debate. The proposals that I announced to the House last week drew on its analysis, and we are taking forward 11 of its 12 recommendations either in full or in spirit. We have chosen not to implement its recommendation requiring workers to be put on all remuneration committees.

[Vince Cable]

I understand that there is to be an urgent question shortly, when hon. Members will be able to go into that issue in detail if they wish. I simply say that this concerns an exceptionally useful individual who has helped to turn around that organisation. The arrangements under which the negotiations took place involved substantial value for money for the taxpayer and a tax cut by the individual. We will pursue matters of public concern on the tax issues, and the answers will be given by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in response to the urgent question.

[Mr David]

Further to that point, may I ask the Secretary of State who on earth signed it off? Answer!

[Vince Cable]

These issues will be answered, and the mechanics dealt with, in the urgent question in an hour’s time.

Higher Education and Student Finance

Debate between Vince Cable and Wayne David

Tuesday 12th October 2010 Commons Chamber

[Vince Cable]

We have covered this point several times, but it is worth reinforcing. Simply introducing a higher level of contributions, albeit a fairer one, will not in itself produce good outcomes unless students are properly informed about the advantages and disadvantages of going to different institutions. That is a key parallel component of the policy that we are adopting.

[Mr Wayne David (Caerphilly) (Lab)]

Has the Secretary of State given any thought at all to the impact of these policies on Wales? I am thinking in particular of Barnett consequentials.

[Vince Cable]

The Chancellor will announce his wider proposals on public spending, but as far as I know there is no intention to change the Barnett formula.