Clause 1 - Sustainable Energy Policy
Sustainable Energy Bill
8:58 am
Mr Brian White (North East Milton Keynes, Labour)
It seems a long time ago that we debated this new clause at length. In that sitting, I outlined the reasons why I was happy to accept the new clause in place of my original clause 1. I am also happy to report that agreement has been reached on amendments to the other clauses. Although there are points to be made on those clauses when we come to them, we should make progress. I set out previously why the new clause would be improved by my amendments and why I was surprised that the Government were resisting them, given that, on Second Reading, they committed themselves to producing an annual progress report, and said that they were willing for it to become a legal requirement.
The new clause goes a long way towards achieving that, and I am pleased that the Minister's comments indicate that the four overall aims of the energy policy in the White Paper will be covered. I am grateful to him for his reassurance that every commitment in the White Paper would be met and for his reaffirmation of the goals, aims, objectives and targets. I am also grateful to all hon. Members who pressed for that.
We have rehearsed the arguments, and I thought that a good case was made for my amendments. However, we should not risk the Bill falling on this issue; a general reporting duty in legislation is better than no reporting duty. The Government are committed to report on detailed targets, so I shall not press my amendments and will accept the Minister's new clause.