Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Electricity Transmission and Distribution

Wednesday 13 March 2024 · 3 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Jonathan Edwards inquired about discussions on electricity transmission and distribution policy with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Welsh Government.
  • Jonathan Edwards requested the commissioning of a study on undergrounding technologies like cable ploughing, which he suggested could be cost-effective compared to pylons.
  • Michael Fabricant questioned the minister about the Senedd's ban on GB News and sought clarification on the government's policy regarding this matter.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jonathan Edwards PC
NHS Energy
Context

Discussions about transforming the electricity network to meet energy security and net zero goals have been ongoing, with a recent announcement of £90 billion investment over ten years.

Question

What discussions has he had with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Welsh Government on electricity transmission and distribution policy?

Answer from David Davies

The Government are committed to transforming our electricity network. We recently announced an ambitious electricity network package that will reduce consumer bills, bring forward £90 billion of investment over 10 years, and allow us to harness Wales's renewable resources, such as floating offshore wind in the Celtic sea.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details about discussions with Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero or Welsh Government

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Q2 Jonathan Edwards PC
Climate Energy
Context

Pylon developments are controversial in communities. There are four potential pylon developments in the questioner's constituency, causing concern among residents.

Question

Will he ask the Secretary of State to commission a study on technologies such as cable ploughing which allow undergrounding and have comparable cost to pylons?

Answer from David Davies

I understand the concerns raised in his constituency. The information I have is that laying cables underground would cost five to seven times more, but if he has a presentation or similar material, I will forward it to officials at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to commissioning a study on cable ploughing technologies

How: Hearing What He Is Saying, If He Has A Presentation

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Q3 Michael Fabricant Con
Wales
Context

The Senedd has decided to ban GB News, leading to questions about policy on this matter.

Question

Is he aware that the Senedd has banned GB News and what is his policy on that?

Answer from David Davies

It may save a small amount of electricity, but it is disappointing that Welsh Labour Government are preventing legitimate viewpoints from being heard by Members of the Senedd who should listen to dissenting opinions.

Not addressed: Did not provide policy stance on banning GB News

How: Disapproving Of The Decision, Challenging The Legitimacy

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