Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Coal Tips: Safety

Wednesday 17 November 2021 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Secretary of State for Wales and the First Minister of Wales co-chaired a coal tip safety summit to receive an update from the joint taskforce.
  • The Welsh Government has 2.5 billion of extra funding to address issues related to coal tip repairs.
  • The Minister will look with interest at Liz Saville-Roberts' private Member's Bill regarding Crown Estate profits in Wales.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alex Davies-Jones Lab Pontypridd
Wales Environment
Context

The MP is concerned about the safety of coal tips in Wales, following a recent summit and previous requests for support.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with the First Minister of Wales on the safety of coal tips in Wales?

Answer from David Davies

Last month, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and the First Minister of Wales co-chaired the coal tip safety summit, to receive an update from the joint taskforce. The taskforce has undertaken inspections of all the highest-risk tips.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific plan for support being put in place was not addressed.

How: Co-Chaired The Coal Tip Safety Summit, Undertaken Inspections

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Q2 Alex Davies-Jones Lab Pontypridd
Wales
Context

The MP references a previous promise by the Prime Minister to support coal tip repairs and asks for an update.

Question

Will he provide an update on conversations with the Welsh Government regarding support for coal tip repairs? Is there a plan in place?

Answer from David Davies

The Welsh Labour Government have £2.5 billion of extra funding to deal with the issue, and we urge them to get on and solve the problem.

Not addressed: No update on conversations or plan for support was provided.

How: Extra Funding, Welsh Government

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Q3 Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Climate Wales
Context

The MP discusses the risk posed by climate change to dangerous coal tips in Wales.

Question

How is the Minister's refusal to settle the £600 million bill consistent with addressing climate change impacts?

Answer from David Davies

The £2.5 billion of extra funding given to the Welsh Government this year is allocated to deal with problems like those mentioned.

Not addressed: No explanation was provided about consistency with COP26 statement or settlement of bill.

How: Extra Funding, Welsh Government

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Q4 Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Economy Wales
Context

The MP discusses the need for a green transition different from previous industrial policies and mentions a private Member's Bill.

Question

Will he support my private Member's Bill to ensure all Crown Estate profits made in Wales are invested in Wales?

Answer from David Davies

The right hon. Lady criticises Margaret Thatcher for closing coalmines but then says we must not have them due to climate change, feeling there is an inconsistency; will look with interest at the Bill.

Not addressed: No direct support or opposition to her bill was given.

How: Criticises Margaret Thatcher, Climate Change

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