Clause 24
Energy Bill
Public Bill Committees, 26 February 2008, 4:00 pm
Charles Hendry (Shadow Minister, Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform; Wealden, Conservative)
Again, I have only a slight concern. The clause refers to penalties both on conviction and on indictment but not to dishonesty. It mentions due diligence, but my concern is that somebody who has not been dishonest could face jail or an unlimited fine. Will the Minister clarify whether the clause will apply only in cases in which there has been an intentional act or an element of dishonesty, without somebody who had inadvertently got themselves into the position described in the clause also being covered?
Malcolm Wicks (Minister of State (Energy), Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform; Croydon North, Labour)
I would have thought that that would be the case, but as I might write to the hon. Gentleman on his previous point, I shall write to him on this matter as well.