Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ed Davey and Alan Duncan

Thursday 5th February 2015 Commons Chamber

[Mr Davey]

I am grateful for the hon. Lady’s question, although I do not recognise her figures. Energy efficiency is a top priority for the Government, and I hope that she will welcome the fact that yesterday I laid before Parliament new regulations to require landlords in the private sector to meet minimum energy efficiency standards by 1 April 2018. That will help 1 million tenants in the most energy-inefficient houses in the country.

[Sir Alan Duncan (Rutland and Melton) (Con)]

Is not the last thing that will help household energy bills a policy that freezes prices at a level above the market, the mere announcement of which—even while the proposers are in opposition—has had a detrimental effect, distorting the markets before the policy is even implemented?

[Mr Davey]

My right hon. Friend is right. The evidence is clear, not just to everyone in this House, but to every voter: if we had implemented Labour’s proposal, people would be paying higher energy bills now.