Energy: Nuclear Power

Lord Strathclyde Excerpts

Tuesday 29th May 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Marland]

As my noble friend rightly says, electricity market reform is fundamental to the setting out of future investment criteria and investment possibilities and predictability. However, we do not want to put the cart before the horse, and we want to make sure that everyone understands electricity market reform. At that point we will have a process whereby the Secretary of State will opine, having received—

[The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Lord Strathclyde)]

Representations.

[Lord Marland]

Yes, representations. I thank my noble friend the Leader. It is marvellous to have so many educated people in the room. I have lost my way now, but my noble friend has the gist.

[Lord Marland]

Naturally, I should congratulate—

[Lord Strathclyde]

And welcome.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Marland]

I am still trying to pick up the jokes in her contribution. Leader, do you want to do this one?

[Lord Strathclyde]

No, you’re on your own.

[Lord Marland]

The fact is that we have enormous expertise and knowledge in this House. On the last Bill I included everyone I possibly could in the debate and that will continue—that is a commitment from me. We cannot take this Bill forward without the enormous expertise in this room, which is hugely appreciated by the Government. Noble Lords have our commitment to that.