Clause 1 - Security and integrity of supply
Energy Bill [Lords]
10:00 am
Mrs Anne McIntosh (Shadow Minister, Environment & Transport; Vale of York, Conservative)
I was not intending to stray, but the Minister needs to know that Members on both sides of the House are concerned that clause 1 should state categorically that any issue relating to a duty to ensure the integrity and security of electricity and gas supplies must remain with the Secretary of State. That was my point in quoting: what I read out was word for word the text from the draft EU constitution, which we are now told that does not refer to energy. However, we cannot see that for ourselves until it has been agreed. Can the Minister say that this is a red line and that the Government will block any reference to energy?