Daylight Saving Bill

Debate between Lord Bruce of Bennachie and Albert Owen

Friday 3rd December 2010 Commons Chamber

[Albert Owen]

No, quite the opposite. That is why I pointed out that there would be little difference during December and January.

As the hon. Member for Castle Point pointed out, the benefits from March to October would far outweigh any of the discomfort that people feel during December and January, which are the bleak winter months.

[Malcolm Bruce]

The proponents of the Bill are in danger of taking as fact research evidence that is highly qualified. After it attempted to analyse the figures, the university of Cambridge used words such as “probably increased” and

“could have a range of energy benefits”.

The Government said that the information was not conclusive one way or the other.

[Albert Owen]

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that intervention, but that is not the evidence we had most recently.

[Malcolm Bruce]

It is the evidence I have here.

[Albert Owen]

Well, I was the person asking the questions, and I know that the Library notes are very thick. One survey, on buildings—particularly office buildings—was not conclusive, but on domestic homes and electricity peak demands, the evidence was to the contrary, which is why I am arguing that we need to consider gas consumption as well as electricity demands. We would then get a much clearer picture to show the benefits of energy savings.