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Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats:Covering the constituencies of Twickenham and Richmond Park |
Smith and Bruce quiz Cameron at PMQs
January 28, 2012 10:42 AM
• [Jan 25] Robert Smith (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, Liberal Democrat): FOLLOWING the death of workers in the Piper Alpha disaster in the North sea, this country developed a world-leading safety case regime for offshore oil and gas, which is now threatened by regulations from the European Union. Will the Prime Minister use his best endeavours to back his Department of Energy and Climate Change in persuading the rest of the EU that what we need is not more regulation, but a- [Hon. Members: "Derogation?"] No-I am sorry Mr Speaker. What we need is not regulation, but a directive, which can be implemented flexibly.
David Cameron (Prime Minister; Witney, Conservative): My hon. Friend makes a very important point. I well remember the Piper Alpha disaster and the huge suffering and loss of life it caused. Since that day, we have put in place what I agree is a world-leading system of regulation, and I shall do all I can to support the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change in making sure that we get a result in Europe that means we can go on with the right regulations for the North Sea.
• Malcolm Bruce (Gordon, Liberal Democrat): British Airways has announced that it has reached an agreement to take over British Midland International. Although this is being challenged under competition rules, what assurances can the Prime Minister give that the landing slots at Heathrow from regional airports such as Aberdeen will be protected if it is allowed to go ahead?
David Cameron (Prime Minister; Witney, Conservative): The right hon. Gentleman makes an important point, and I am sure that it is important to his constituents as well. I will look into the issue of landing slots-I know how important it is for regional airports-and get back to him.
• Full Debate in Parliament
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