Oral Answers to Questions

Alison Seabeck Excerpts

Thursday 6th June 2013 Commons Chamber

[Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab)]

7. What representations he has received on setting a target to decarbonise the power sector by 2030.

[Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab)]

13. What representations he has received on setting a target to decarbonise the power sector by 2030.

[Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab)]

15. What representations he has received on setting a target to decarbonise the power sector by 2030.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Davey]

I am afraid it is the Opposition who are refusing to listen. They should look at the Energy Bill, in which we have legislated for the power to set a decarbonisation target—the first country in the world to do so.

[Alison Seabeck]

On Tuesday, the Government said they opposed the 2030 decarbonisation target, in part on the ground that it would increase bills. If that were so, one would expect Fuel Poverty Action to agree with the Government, but it does not. Instead, it said:

“in failing to set a target for clean energy, the Government has yet again let down hard-up UK households.”

Will the Secretary of State explain his position in the light of that statement and say whether it would also apply to his long-grass target?

[Mr Davey]

I am afraid the hon. Lady has not read the Bill; she needs to go back and do some more research. The difference in the debate has been about when the target is set, not if a target is set. The new clause tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for South Suffolk (Mr Yeo) dealt with whether it should be set in 2014; the Government have legislated to give us the power to set it in 2016, 14 years before it needs to be met. That is an ambitious position and we are yet again leading the world.