A climate change sceptic MP has quoted the Bible in search of support for oil companies.
Tory MP David TC Davies suggested the Church of England Commissioners should “read the Bible” before being too critical of oil giants.
He quoted the Parable of the Ten Virgins as he questioned the commission over its support for green investment.
Prompting laughter across the House, Mr Davies told the Commons: “Before being too critical of the oil companies, could I suggest that the Church of England commissioners read the bible, Matthew 25, the Parable of Oil Lamps and the Ten Virgins, and remember that it was the five virgins that lived happily ever after who had a cheap and ready supply of this much-maligned fossil fuel.”
The Monmouth MP has previously questioned whether the problem of man-made global warming exists.
Tory Caroline Spelman, who was representing the Commissioners, replied: “You and I perhaps don’t share the same interpretation of the Bible when it comes to belief in climate change as a phenomenon.
“Indeed when I shortly visit the Diocese of the Arctic I shall have very much in mind the recent news that the British research station is indeed in danger of sinking in to the sea, as was shown on a documentary on television last night.
“But would you recognise that the Church Commissioners have been commended with a number of prizes for their work of an ethical investment strategy which includes taking account of the risk that climate change does pose to investments?”