Clause 10
Energy Bill
2:15 pm
Malcolm Wicks (Minister of State (Energy), Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform; Croydon North, Labour)
I think I will take this one on. This clause gives the Secretary of State the power to apply to the court for an injunction to prevent, or require the cessation of, activities prohibited under clause 2. For example, if there is evidence that a gas-unloading activity is taking place, or is about to take place, without a licence, the Secretary of State may apply for an injunction requiring the operator to cease the activity immediately. This is a further safeguard to ensure the integrity of the licensing regime. Given that such unlicensed activity would be a criminal offence under clause 7, we expect this power to have to be used only rarely. However, it is a useful power to have in reserve. I therefore move that this clause stand part of the Bill.