Energy BILL [ Lords ] (Fifth sitting)

Debate between Alan Whitehead and Julian Smith

Tuesday 2nd February 2016 Public Bill Committees

[Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab)]

The end of this morning’s proceedings was a little like an episode of “Neighbours”.

[Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)]

A great show.

[Dr Whitehead]

Indeed, but one in which we do not get to know the dénouement until the next episode. The dénouement is, as the Minister will know, that the commitment in the Conservative manifesto was to end any new public subsidy for onshore wind. The question is whether that means new public subsidies, or public subsidy that previously existed but applies to new projects. Clearly, the renewables obligation is a long-standing subsidy and unless one places a very specific interpretation on that manifesto pledge, it is about new forthcoming subsidies and we should bear that in mind in our discussions.