Clause 5
Green Energy (Definition and Promotion) Bill
4:00 pm
Joan Ruddock (Minister of State, Department for Energy and Climate Change; Lewisham, Deptford, Labour)
Let me assure the hon. Gentleman that we have taken this seriously and that we believe, as he does, that the system could be very much improved. I am pleased to tell Committee members, on behalf of DEFRA, that we can commit to a complete review of the environmental consent process for micro-hydro power. Hon. Members will be delighted to hear that the aim of the review will be to develop recommendations for a streamlined system that is quick and easy for developers, but which maintains a high level of environmental protection.
The review will be undertaken by the Environment Agency—working in co-operation with DEFRA—within a year of the Bill coming into force. It will take account of any ongoing, or future, work. While the Government cannot support amendment (a), I hope that hon. Members will accept the Government’s commitment to this important sector. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will feel able to withdraw the amendment.