Clause 15

Part of Climate Change Bill [Lords] – in a Public Bill Committee at 4:30 pm on 1 July 2008.

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Photo of Phil Woolas Phil Woolas Minister of State (Environment), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 4:30, 1 July 2008

Certainly not. I accept the hon. Lady’s point, but the framework that we have put forward is the best one from the UK plc point of view, and that it also achieves our objectives. Government amendments Nos. 6 and 7 work within the spirit of the changes to the  Bill made in the other place. As I hope the hon. Lady recognises, we have considered that matter, which is backed up by statements from my noble Friend Lord Rooker. Those changes set a deadline of five years from Royal Assent to either include those emissions or to report to Parliament on why it has not been done. I am trying to say, “Okay. You’ve got a point. We need to include them and give surety to industry and the public that they are included, but can we have five years to reach an international agreement?” If we do not do that, we will have to explain why that is the case to Parliament and decide where to go from there. That is my proposition and I hope that the Committee will accept amendments Nos. 6 and 7.