Clause 2 - Annual reports under section 1 of the Sustainable Energy Act 2003
Energy Bill [Lords]
9:30 am
Dr Desmond Turner (Brighton, Kemptown, Labour)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend the Minister for accepting the principle that there is a huge, clear distinction between the development of a machine or technology and its deployment. For instance, the
Army could have the most magnificently developed tank in the world but if it is sitting in a garage in Aldershot, it will not fight any wars until it is deployed.
I am happy with the Minister's assurance that he is prepared either to table or to accept an amendment on Report. I hope that he will resist any blandishments from his departmental lawyers trying to tell him that there is no difference between development and deployment. Lawyers are always wrong, and it is nice to serve on a Committee that is not dominated by lawyers. If there are any here, I shall say it again: lawyers are usually wrong. Given the Minister's helpful response, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Motion made, and Question put, That the clause stand part of the Bill:—
The Committee divided: Ayes 8, Noes 10.