Clause 14
Energy Bill
2:45 pm
Malcolm Wicks (Minister of State (Energy), Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform; Croydon North, Labour)
My hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, South-East has introduced an important discussion. However, as he knows, we have a great deal of expertise in this type of territory. I recognise that in relation to carbon capture and storage—we shall move on to that aspect of the Bill shortly—it is relatively new territory. However, I am advised that the companies themselves will be required, under the terms and conditions of their licence, to provide the information that he seeks. Tests and drilling information will provide the company with the relevant information.
Earlier, I said that certain powers would not come into effect where the Secretary of State was persuaded that the concentration of hydrocarbons was insignificant. It might be helpful if I say that if circumstances change and the amounts of hydrocarbons increase substantially, the Secretary of State must issue a notice to the licence holder revoking the direction. Again, this comes down to the proper and appropriate management and inspection of what is happening over what is often a very long period. The prime function is for the companies themselves, but I reiterate the importance of the inspectorate that we are putting in place.