Energy Bill [HL]

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 3:00 pm on 1 April 2004.

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Photo of Baroness Byford Baroness Byford Conservative 3:00, 1 April 2004

My Lords, I had read the amendment and that was the conclusion to which I had come. I am pleased that the noble Baroness has clarified the position with other Members of the House.

Like my noble friend Lord Jenkin, I firmly believe that the energy gap is real and that in some ways moneys will be made available to us. It is a missed opportunity if we do not encourage people to realise that there are other ways of using energy efficiently. In theory, I support that, but even accepting what the noble Baroness said, I have reservations about the amendment. However, that does not stop me supporting the sentiments which lie behind it and adding weight to them.

I want to pose two questions. It was suggested that the current position is not comprehensively spread. In other words, the ways in which we inform the general public are not sufficiently strong. First, if that is so, do the Government have any thoughts on how they could be improved? Secondly, if the money is not to be used to facilitate that, what is it to be used for?