Clause 68 - Overall home-heating cost reduction targets

Part of Energy Bill [Lords] – in a Public Bill Committee am 2:15 pm ar 16 Mehefin 2011.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Gregory Barker Gregory Barker The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change 2:15, 16 Mehefin 2011

The hon. Gentleman makes an incredibly persuasive and charming case, and I am all in favour of generous, pleasant, cordial and amicable gestures in the Committee Room. However, I am also mindful that we are absolutely confident—I have just been reassured by my officials—that we have already accounted for the amendment in clause 66. I am also mindful that we have an obligation not to unduly amend this Bill, which started in the other place. There is a balance to be struck, and the more we amend the Bill, the more likely it is to be delayed on its return to the upper House. We cannot afford to amend the Bill unnecessarily and risk delaying Royal Assent until after the summer recess. I have to be frugal with the amendments that I offer, and cautious about any changes that we make. Where there is demonstrably a case that the measure is already covered in the Bill, I have to resist the hon. Gentleman’s charms and say that we cannot support his amendment.