§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with the Russian Government on securing a supply of gas to the UK. [151707]
§ Mr. TimmsMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry discussed gas issues with Russian Government during the "Russia-UK Energy Conference: Long Term Partners" held in June last year, during President Putin's State visit. During the visit, she had a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Kudrin where a wide range of issues were discussed.
Also at the conference, I signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Igor Yusufov. Minister for Energy for the Russian Federation, in which the UK and Russia agreed to work closely together on the North European Gas Pipeline project.