Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bridget Phillipson and Lord Barker of Battle

Thursday 24th March 2011 Commons Chamber

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

12. Whether he has made an assessment of the potential effects of the outcome of the 2011 Budget on the development of low-carbon technologies.

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

The Budget announced several new policies which will support the development of low-carbon technologies including £2 billion of additional capital for the green investment bank, a carbon floor price to provide a stronger, more stable signal to investment in low-carbon generation, and preferential company car tax treatment for low-carbon vehicles. All that is in addition to the creation of 21 enterprise zones and a £100-million boost for science that will further drive green growth.

[Bridget Phillipson]

The north-east has led the way with the development of low-carbon electric vehicles, as the Minister will know, and with the network of charging points. He will be aware that if those vehicles are to have mass-market appeal there needs to be a comprehensive network of charging points. What further action will the Government take to support a nationwide roll-out of such charging points?

[Gregory Barker]

We are working closely with our colleagues in the Department for Transport because—the hon. Lady is absolutely right—there needs to be a concerted, joined-up strategy if we are to realise the potential of electric vehicles. There will be more details on that, but I assure her that a lot of work is going on in Government and that the Departments are working effectively together.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bridget Phillipson and Lord Barker of Battle

Thursday 16th December 2010 Commons Chamber

[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.