Oral Answers to Questions

Bridget Phillipson Excerpts

Thursday 16th December 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab)]

6. What discussions he has had with representatives of business organisations on the carbon reduction commitment energy efficiency scheme.

[Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South) (Lab)]

9. What plans he has for the future of the carbon reduction commitment; and if he will make a statement.

[The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change (Gregory Barker)]

My right hon. Friend and I regularly meet businesses to discuss climate change and energy issues. My officials are also discussing how to simplify the policy landscape with a wide range of CRC and climate change agreement participants. This will inform the proposals the coalition will bring forward next year.

[Gregory Barker]

We want the green deal to be technology inclusive. Any technology or energy efficiency measure that can pass our golden rule of providing the savings needed will be considered very kindly. We want it to be inclusive and for it to drive innovation and technology.

[Bridget Phillipson]

What reassurance can the Minister give us that he will closely consider the Government’s position to ensure that the initiative works for businesses while also driving down emissions?

[Gregory Barker]

Does the hon. Lady mean the CRC?

[Bridget Phillipson]

indicated assent.

[Gregory Barker]

Absolutely. We had to take a tough decision on the CRC to end revenue recycling, as a direct result of the state of the public finances we inherited. We are talking closely with business and will be having further discussions in the new year to ensure that it remains an efficient measure of driving forward energy efficiency in businesses. We believe that there are billions to be saved in the private sector in that way.

--- Later in debate ---

[Charles Hendry]

I do indeed congratulate National Grid on undertaking a public consultation on whether the cost of undergrounding is acceptable to the public. I also welcome the research being carried out by the Institution of Engineering and Technology, because people in areas affected by new pylons need to be absolutely convinced of the relative pricing of overgrounding and undergrounding.

[Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South) (Lab)]

T6. My constituents have faced an incredibly difficult winter, and they want to know what action the Government will take now, not in the future, to make energy companies bring down their prices.

[Chris Huhne]

The action that Ofgem is taking is now, not in the future. It is reviewing the matter and making it very clear to the energy companies that margins that are not justified by the economics will incur its wrath, the use of its powers and potentially a competition inquiry. I merely refer to my earlier answer about all the action that the Government are undertaking to try to ensure that people are protected in these difficult times through cold weather payments, winter fuel payments and the voluntary discount scheme. We want to ensure that the people are who most adversely affected are protected.