North edges closer to electric boost
Jul 11 2009 by Beverley Pearson, The Journal
Replying to Mr Kemp, the minister added: “He rightly stresses that, and the Government are actively working with Nissan and other manufacturers on that agenda.”
A Nissan spokeswoman said it was not in a position to comment on its future electric vehicle production.
Blaydon MP Dave Anderson also used the Commons debate to declare the region was ready and able to build a new fleet of high speed trains planned for the East Coast Main Line.
“If the minister really wants to do us a favour today, he should go to see the Secretary of State for Transport and tell him to give the contract for the trains to the Tyne Valley yard, which just happens to be in my constituency,” said the Labour MP.
He added the region stood ready to lead developments in electric vehicles, biotechnology as well as new coal and wind power sources.
But it needed the Government and the private sector to work together, said Mr Anderson.
“The new methods of accessing coal, including underground gasification of coal, could transform the way coal is used to power the energy of the world.
“There is more coal under the North sea off the North East of England than the whole world burns in a year, and we are leaving it there to rot.
“Joint work between the Government and the private sector is needed in order to access it,” said Mr Anderson.
Mr McFadden said Britain had to make the most of the transition to a low-carbon economy, adding workers were being equipped with the skills for that switch.
