Improvements in Energy Efficiency

Part of Orders of the Day — Housing Bill – in the House of Commons at 6:30 pm on 8 November 2004.

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Photo of Mr Tony McWalter Mr Tony McWalter Labour/Co-operative, Hemel Hempstead 6:30, 8 November 2004

I am sure that, like us, the Minister is strongly in favour of abolishing fuel poverty and meeting achievable targets on insulation with a hard-working programme. I do not believe that that is at issue. However, I would like to know why he believes that it is inappropriate and wrong to include the 20 per cent. target in primary legislation. Does he fear, for instance, that the Government could be taken to court gratuitously if the Lords amendment is accepted? Would a lot of legal time be taken up defending slow-burning Government programmes? Why does he agree with everything that has been said in favour of the target, but object to its inclusion in primary legislation?