Orders of the Day — Energy Bill [Lords]

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:34 pm on 10 May 2004.

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Photo of Patricia Hewitt Patricia Hewitt Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry 4:34, 10 May 2004

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for the work that he did in bringing together some of the key partners in Cumbria to visit me, so that we could discuss exactly what was needed. My understanding is that the Northwest Development Agency is already in discussions with the local councils in Cumbria and that we are awaiting proposals from them. If it is not making satisfactory progress, I will make inquiries and ensure that progress is made because, like my right hon. Friend, I understand its importance to his constituents and the community.

I stress that the energy industries contribute 4 per cent. directly to the gross domestic product of this country and they power all the rest of our economy. There is no issue that is more fundamental to our economy, to the quality of our lives and to sustainable development and our environmental future. In the White Paper, we set out a 50-year vision of sustainable energy and how that could contribute to the shift to a low-carbon economy. It was a 50-year vision, but action started immediately. The Bill will move us even closer to the cleaner, secure and affordable energy that our people and our businesses all depend on. I commend the Bill to the House.