Energy Bill

Debate between Lord Dixon-Smith and Lord Turner of Ecchinswell

Wednesday 11th December 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord Turner of Ecchinswell (CB)]

My Lords, I simply point out that the interim targets in the form of the actual budgets are legally binding commitments of the Government under the Climate Change Act. Once the budgets are set—three budgets in advance—they are not merely planning guidelines but are part of the Government’s legally binding commitments.

[Lord Dixon-Smith]

I am used to the Chancellor of the Exchequer making annual Budgets and I have been involved in politics indirectly and directly for a very long time. If the Chancellor of the Exchequer is forced to, shall we say, amend interim budgets, it seems to me that sticking our feet in the ground over an energy budget is not exactly wise.