New Clause 31 - Promotion of reductions in carbon emissions: gas transporters and suppliers

Part of Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 6:15 pm on 28 February 2006.

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Photo of Mark Lazarowicz Mark Lazarowicz Labour, Edinburgh North and Leith 6:15, 28 February 2006

The hon. Member for Bexhill and Battle described the provisions as a small measure which he welcomed. I think we should not be too modest about them, because they are significant. Bringing microgeneration into the energy efficiency commitment will provide a major boost to the microgeneration industry and microgeneration take-up in this country. Including the provision will send such a clear message to the industry that it will have a positive response from those with an interest in the matter.

I understand that the provisions will apply throughout Great Britain and perhaps the Minister will confirm that, either now or later. They may be the most significant part of the Bill when it finishes its passage through Parliament, and I welcome the Government’s initiative in moving the new clauses.

Clause

A parliamentary bill is divided into sections called clauses.

Printed in the margin next to each clause is a brief explanatory `side-note' giving details of what the effect of the clause will be.

During the committee stage of a bill, MPs examine these clauses in detail and may introduce new clauses of their own or table amendments to the existing clauses.

When a bill becomes an Act of Parliament, clauses become known as sections.

Minister

Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.