argyrotsipi/train-dataset huggingface dataset:
Wales Bill — House of Commons, 2016-07-11
Topic: Energy
Christopher Paul Davies (Conservative, Centre-right): I agreed with most of what the hon. Gentleman said, but I do not think he listened to what I said. I am talking specifically about wind energy, to which my amendment relates, not about hydro-energy, off-coast energy or land energy I ask the Secretary of State to retain the possibility of a veto. I will not press the amendment to a vote—I am sure that you and many others will be delighted to hear that, Sir Alan—but I hope that the Secretary of State will look at the clause again
Wales Bill — House of Commons, 2016-07-11
Topic: Government Operations
Alun Hugh Cairns (Conservative, Centre-right): What example has there been of devolution to Wales in the past where the Secretary of State has really sought to bring about agreement throughout the House on a pragmatic, practical way forward, rather than bulldozing one particular model over another?
Wales Bill — House of Commons, 2016-07-11
Topic: Energy
David Ian Jones (Conservative, Centre-right): I shall speak briefly in support of amendments 158 to 160 in the name of my hon. Friend the Member for Brecon and Radnorshire (Chris Davies). He has dealt very well with the thrust of the amendments and I do not wish to repeat what he has said. However, I would like to focus on proposed new subsection (4D) which provides: "The Secretary of State may give a direction to Welsh Ministers that applications for consent for the construction or extension of stations generating electricity from wind which would have a capacity less than 51 megawatts must be determined by local planning authorities and must not be called in or determined by Welsh Ministers." As I mentioned on Second Reading, there have been unintended consequences of the Energy Act 2016, which is a development of UK Government policy that provides that all applications for onshore wind generating stations should no longer be governed by the Planning Act 2008, but should instead be determined by local planning authorities. This applies also in Wales, but as a consequence of Welsh legislation, the Welsh Government have designated all wind farm developments in Wales as so-called developments of national significance, which fall to be considered by the Welsh Government. My hon. Friend the Member for Brecon and Radnorshire is right to insert this provision. We both come from parts of Wales where the development of wind farms has caused huge problems. They have been disproportionately scattered across rural Wales and there are large areas that almost literally have a turbine on every hillside. Local communities certainly want these applications to be determined at local level, and it is entirely right that the Welsh Government, having taken it upon themselves to adopt this power, should now have it taken away from them. The power should be returned to local authorities As I have suggested, this has been an example of the law of unintended consequences. I am absolutely sure that the Government did not expect that, as a consequence of the Energy Act 2016, all such applications would fall to be determined by the Welsh Government. That is what has happened, however, and local communities have been disfranchised. This proposal is therefore a sensible one, and I ask my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to give consideration to it. If he cannot accept it this evening, will he take it away and come back with another proposal on Report to address the concerns that I have outlined?
Wales Bill — House of Commons, 2016-07-11
Topic: Energy
Guto ap Owain Bebb (Conservative, Centre-right): We have had a decent debate about the issues relating to this group of amendments. Clause 36 is a carefully drafted clause, which, again, gives effect to the St David’s day commitment on energy consenting. The combined effect of subsections (1) to (6) is to disapply the Secretary of State’s power under the Planning Act 2008 to grant development consent for electricity generating stations in Wales and in the Welsh inshore and offshore zones, not exceeding a capacity of 350MW. This is a compromise, but one based on the views expressed by Silk and the St David’s day agreement, which was attempting to reach a consensus. Development consenting for all onshore wind-powered generating stations in Wales has already been devolved through the Energy Act 2016, and I shall say more about that in a moment in relation to some of the amendments put forward by Conservative Members Amendments 74 to 80 were tabled by the hon. Member for Arfon (Hywel Williams), and they again seek to reopen the issue of the political consensus we found under Silk and as part of the St David’s day process. It is important that we recognise that the Bill is attempting to move forward on the basis of consensus, whereas the amendments are trying to open up the whole issue once more. Clearly, we have to accept that the electricity transmission system in England and Wales is thoroughly integrated, and we must keep that in mind when we legislate on this issue. It is also important to highlight that the consensus on the 350MW figure is appropriate, given that we are dealing with a system that is interrelated and interdependent. It is moving significant changes and decision-making powers to Wales, but it is also recognising the importance of what might be seen as a strategic energy development. One of more than 350MW is considered to be strategic, whereas one of less than that can be done on a Welsh basis We have rightly talked a lot about hydroelectric generation in this debate. I am proud that my constituency has several sites that are open to development for hydro energy production. A 350MW rule would imply that all those developments could be decided upon in Wales, which is a major development. The biggest challenge we would have would be ensuring that the electricity infrastructure to take energy out of the Conwy valley was up to speed.
Wales Bill — House of Commons, 2016-07-11
Topic: Energy
Guto ap Owain Bebb (Conservative, Centre-right): It should be stated that a former Secretary of State for Wales and former leader of this party had long argued that there was a need to look at a higher limit. It is fair to say that the process of devolution is an ongoing one, and it is highly unreasonable to criticise the fact that we are moving towards a situation where very large developments of hydro power in north Wales could be decided upon in Cardiff.
Great Western Railway’s Bicycle Policy — House of Commons, 2016-07-11
Topic: Transportation
Sarah James (Wollaston) (Conservative, Centre-right): I thank the right hon. Gentleman for securing the debate and absolutely agree with everything he has said so far. Does he agree that it was clear from the Get Britain Cycling inquiry that he and I served on in the previous Parliament that active travel to work is a key aspect of encouraging people to get cycling, and that the health benefits that that brings are not in dispute?
Economy — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: International Affairs
David Gordon Mundell (Conservative, Centre-right): It is self-evident that, because the devolution settlements within the United Kingdom are predicated on the basis that the United Kingdom was a member of the European Union, those devolution settlements will be changed by the United Kingdom leaving the EU. Those will be matters that will be subject to debate and discussion.
Economy — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: Foreign Trade
David Gordon Mundell (Conservative, Centre-right): The Prime Minister made it very, very clear at the Conservative conference that we want to have access to the single market and to ensure free trade. The sectors that the hon. Lady mentioned are very important; they are part of the group of sectors with which we are engaging very closely to identify their specific interests and concerns so that they are part of the UK’s negotiating position.
Economy — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: Macroeconomics
Questions: Is it not the case that there should be a substantial boost for Scottish exports as a result of the depreciation of the pound since the Brexit vote?
David Gordon Mundell (Conservative, Centre-right): Sectors in Scotland would acknowledge that they have benefited from the devaluation of the pound. The tourism sector, which saw a record attendance at the Edinburgh festival recently, and the agricultural sector would acknowledge it, but I do not see that as being an end in itself. What we need to do is ensure that we get the best possible deal for Scotland and the UK from these negotiations so that Scottish business can flourish.
Economy — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: Is it not the case that there should be a substantial boost for Scottish exports as a result of the depreciation of the pound since the Brexit vote?
Michael Andrew Gove (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend is absolutely right in saying that we are leaving a dysfunctional union—the European Union—and that that is an opportunity for the people of Scotland. Is it not also the case that if we were to follow the Scottish National party’s advocacy and leave the union that works—the United Kingdom—we would land the people of Scotland with a huge public sector deficit and the prospect of either tax rises or cuts in services?
Economy — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: Foreign Trade
Questions: Is it not the case that there should be a substantial boost for Scottish exports as a result of the depreciation of the pound since the Brexit vote?
David Gordon Mundell (Conservative, Centre-right): My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. There seems to be a very strange contradiction here: Members on the SNP Benches are rightly concerned about Scotland’s continued trade with the EU, but they disregard the fact that Scotland’s trade with the rest of the United Kingdom is four times as much as with the EU, and that a million jobs in Scotland are dependent on our trade within the United Kingdom—that is the union that matters to Scotland.
Economy — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: Is it not the case that there should be a substantial boost for Scottish exports as a result of the depreciation of the pound since the Brexit vote?
David Gordon Mundell (Conservative, Centre-right): If anyone actually listens to businesses in Scotland and, indeed, to the people of Scotland, it is quite clear that people do not want another divisive independence referendum in Scotland—other than individuals who are obsessed with independence. We need to listen to business, take a second independence referendum off the table and concentrate on getting the best possible deal for Scotland and the UK from these negotiations.
Economy — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: Macroeconomics
Questions: Is it not the case that there should be a substantial boost for Scottish exports as a result of the depreciation of the pound since the Brexit vote?
David Gordon Mundell (Conservative, Centre-right): May I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on retaining his position as shadow Scottish Secretary? I understand that on the Benches behind him is the Westminster spokesman of the Scottish Labour party, and I am sure that it will emerge during these questions how those two positions interrelate The point that I would make in response to the hon. Gentleman’s question is that we will have a common response across the United Kingdom and that whatever support is put in place for businesses in the north of England will apply to businesses in Scotland.
Economy — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: Is it not the case that there should be a substantial boost for Scottish exports as a result of the depreciation of the pound since the Brexit vote?; Scotland has a long and proud history of invention, innovation and creativity, and has always looked out to the world. Could the Government do more to rekindle that outlook in Scotland, rather than the First Minister creating uncertainty and constantly talking about independence?
David Gordon Mundell (Conservative, Centre-right): I agree that we need to see Brexit as an opportunity, and I was very interested to see yesterday that the leader of Glasgow City Council also took the view that Brexit offered an opportunity for Glasgow to continue to flourish. Rather than doom-mongering, which is the constant refrain of the SNP, let us take a positive approach and seize the opportunities that are out there for Scotland.
Economy — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: Is it not the case that there should be a substantial boost for Scottish exports as a result of the depreciation of the pound since the Brexit vote?; Scotland has a long and proud history of invention, innovation and creativity, and has always looked out to the world. Could the Government do more to rekindle that outlook in Scotland, rather than the First Minister creating uncertainty and constantly talking about independence?
David Gordon Mundell (Conservative, Centre-right): Of course I will do that, but I will also respect the half of voters in the right hon. Gentleman’s constituency who voted to leave the EU. He does not make much of it, but a higher percentage of people in his constituency voted to leave the EU than voted for him, so let us respect everybody in this debate. I am committed to working with the Scottish Government. I have met Michael Russell on a number of occasions. The First Minister and the Prime Minister will meet on 24 October, and their engagement will be essential to achieving what we want: the best possible deal for Scotland.
Economy — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: Is it not the case that there should be a substantial boost for Scottish exports as a result of the depreciation of the pound since the Brexit vote?; Scotland has a long and proud history of invention, innovation and creativity, and has always looked out to the world. Could the Government do more to rekindle that outlook in Scotland, rather than the First Minister creating uncertainty and constantly talking about independence?
David Gordon Mundell (Conservative, Centre-right): We are not even at the stage of beginning the negotiations. What we are going to see—[Interruption.] The Prime Minister has set out the process for taking those negotiations forward. It is inevitable that, over the next few weeks, months and years, we will see press reports and speculation, leaks and all sorts of other supposition. I want to ensure that we go into those negotiations in conjunction with the Scottish Government to get the best possible deal, and that is my commitment.
Economy — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: Agriculture
Questions: Is it not the case that there should be a substantial boost for Scottish exports as a result of the depreciation of the pound since the Brexit vote?; Scotland has a long and proud history of invention, innovation and creativity, and has always looked out to the world. Could the Government do more to rekindle that outlook in Scotland, rather than the First Minister creating uncertainty and constantly talking about independence?
David Gordon Mundell (Conservative, Centre-right): I commend the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation and others on their approach to the negotiations; they see them as an opportunity, for the very reasons referred to by the right hon. Gentleman and by yesterday’s report. The SFF was quite right to characterise the report as "A Sea of Opportunities", and it will have my support in realising them.
Economy — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: International Affairs
Questions: Is it not the case that there should be a substantial boost for Scottish exports as a result of the depreciation of the pound since the Brexit vote?; Scotland has a long and proud history of invention, innovation and creativity, and has always looked out to the world. Could the Government do more to rekindle that outlook in Scotland, rather than the First Minister creating uncertainty and constantly talking about independence?
Kevin John Foster (Conservative, Centre-right): Has the Minister included, in his assessment of the impact on the Scottish economy of the UK leaving the EU, the impact of Scotland leaving its biggest single market: the rest of the UK—something that some people are demanding, week in, week out?
Economy — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: Foreign Trade
Questions: Is it not the case that there should be a substantial boost for Scottish exports as a result of the depreciation of the pound since the Brexit vote?; Scotland has a long and proud history of invention, innovation and creativity, and has always looked out to the world. Could the Government do more to rekindle that outlook in Scotland, rather than the First Minister creating uncertainty and constantly talking about independence?
David Gordon Mundell (Conservative, Centre-right): As I said earlier, I find it very surprising that people who declare a great enthusiasm for the European single market are willing to dismiss the United Kingdom single market, which is worth four times as much to the Scottish economy and employs a million Scottish people.
Overseas Trade — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: International Affairs
David Gordon Mundell (Conservative, Centre-right): Since the EU referendum, Scotland Office Ministers have held over 50 meetings with Scottish Government Ministers, Scottish organisations and trade bodies to discuss the implications for Scotland. We intend to hold further such meetings in the coming months, to ensure that Scottish business interests are fully represented in the negotiations on the UK’s exit from the EU and in any future trade arrangements.
Overseas Trade — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: Foreign Trade
Chris Ian Brian Mynott Philp (Conservative, Centre-right): Does my right hon. Friend agree that when we negotiate free trade deals outside the European Union, we can remove some of the protectionist tariff barriers that the EU has erected, thereby reducing consumer prices for consumers in Scotland—and, indeed, across the United Kingdom?
Overseas Trade — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: Foreign Trade
David Gordon Mundell (Conservative, Centre-right): I agree with my hon. Friend, and I believe that this Government and this country can be advocates around the world for free trade. Trade liberalisation between advanced economies can have a positive impact on the consumer, and that is what we want to see in Scotland and across the UK.
Overseas Trade — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: International Affairs
Mark James Harper (Conservative, Centre-right): Will the Secretary of State reassure the House that as he is conducting discussions around the world and engaging with British business, he gets the maximum opportunities for Scottish business, uses his opportunities to demonstrate that Scotland is better as part of the United Kingdom, and knocks on the head all this talk of independence that we incessantly hear from the Scottish National party?
Overseas Trade — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: Foreign Trade
James Michael Ellwood Berry (Conservative, Centre-right): I was pleased to read last month that exports of Scotch whisky were up for the first time in three years, with a surge of exports to India. Does my right hon. Friend agree that everyone in the UK should work together to support the export of great British products, including great Scottish products such as whisky?
Overseas Trade — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: International Affairs
David Gordon Mundell (Conservative, Centre-right): I am sure that that is the type of speculation that will constantly be sought from Ministers in the weeks and months ahead. The Prime Minister has set out the process for negotiating our exit from the EU, and at the conclusion of that process I am confident that we will be able to achieve the best possible deal for Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Overseas Trade — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: International Affairs
David Gordon Mundell (Conservative, Centre-right): What I have also said on many occasions, as the hon. Lady will know, is that the UK will have a bespoke arrangement with the EU when we leave. It is not appropriate or sensible to see the negotiating process in the context of existing arrangements with other countries or, indeed, the existing structure of the EU. We should seek to get the best possible deal for our businesses.
Welfare Powers — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: Social Welfare
David Gordon Mundell (Conservative, Centre-right): A significant number of new welfare powers came into force this September, and give the Scottish Parliament new choices over welfare in Scotland. The joint ministerial working group on welfare, which includes Scottish Ministers, met yesterday to continue its important and constructive work overseeing the transfer of remaining powers.
Welfare Powers — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: International Affairs
Henry Edward Millar Smith (Conservative, Centre-right): With that significant transfer of powers from the UK Government to Edinburgh, does my right hon. Friend agree that the Scottish Government should get on with exercising those powers for the sake of the welfare of the people of Scotland, rather than wasting time on expensive and unnecessary talk of a second independence referendum?
Welfare Powers — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: Government Operations
David Gordon Mundell (Conservative, Centre-right): I absolutely agree. These are significant powers, which the Scottish Government and the Scottish National party in this House asked for. People around Scotland will want to see how they are being deployed and what process is being used. The message from the people of Scotland generally to the Scottish Government is "Get on with the day job."
Welfare Powers — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: Social Welfare
Questions: I am sure that at yesterday’s meeting of the joint ministerial working group Scottish Ministers will have stressed their desire to see their employment programmes proceed on a voluntary basis. What steps will the Secretary of State take to ensure that his Government respect that desire?
David Gordon Mundell (Conservative, Centre-right): We have made it absolutely clear that we will respect that desire for the programmes to proceed on a voluntary basis. What I think the people of Scotland will want to know is what the Scottish Government intend to do in relation to people who do not volunteer to be part of the programmes.
North Sea Oil and Gas — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: Macroeconomics
Mark Andrew Menzies (Conservative, Centre-right): Revenue from North sea oil has dropped by more than £10 billion over the past two years. What steps are the Government taking to ensure that public services in Scotland do not suffer as a result of this shortfall in public revenue?
North Sea Oil and Gas — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: Macroeconomics
Alexander Jesse Norman (Conservative, Centre-right): As my colleague rightly notes, there has been a shock in the oil and gas industry resulting from global changes. As the latest public finance figures show, being part of the UK protects living standards in Scotland. The drop in revenues has been offset by a vigorous programme of Government support in tax relief and allowances, as well as in a host of other areas.
North Sea Oil and Gas — House of Commons, 2016-10-12
Topic: Agriculture
Graham Evans (Conservative, Centre-right): The supply of home-grown feed stocks is vital to the Cheshire chemicals industry and is in part reliant on the success of North sea oil and gas. Can the Minister assure the House that the Government will continue to take steps to support the many jobs in our foundation industries that depend very much on this sector?