Further written evidence reported to the House
Energy Bill
10:40 am
Malcolm Wicks: The key thing is that this Energy Bill is a very important measure. It looks at a number of important aspects, including creating a fit-for-purpose licensing regime to allow the private sector to bring forward offshore gas storage. It also brings forward a regulatory framework for carbon capture and storage, which the Committee has heard a great deal about. It is reforming the renewables obligation and one or two other measures.
I do not want the Committee to think that this is the sum total of the Government’s energy strategy. I can understand people saying, “We think this is important. Why is it not in the Bill?” But we are putting in the Bill things where we need fresh legislation. You mention a range of matters but they are not ones where we currently feel new legislation is required, although we are keeping one or two of them under active review. Does the hon. Gentleman wish to press me on a particular aspect?