Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Oral Answers to Questions

Gavin Shuker Excerpts
Thursday 7th July 2011

(12 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Charles Hendry Portrait Charles Hendry
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My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise that at this time of the year, because this is when we need to be planning for the winter. The Office of Fair Trading is investigating the matter. I have asked for its report to be completed by the early autumn so that we can decide exactly what measures need to be introduced to make sure that the problems of last winter are not repeated.

Gavin Shuker Portrait Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op)
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I am sure that a Minister as progressive and forward thinking as the Secretary of State is convinced by the arguments put forward by those who advocate double summer time. What efforts is he making to reduce carbon emissions by following this approach and speaking to his Cabinet colleagues about the issue?

Chris Huhne Portrait Chris Huhne
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I was quite intrigued by the whole issue of double summer time because I, perhaps like the hon. Gentleman, thought that it was a bit of a silver bullet and an easy solution. Unfortunately, it turns out that there are more complications, not only north of the border but certainly there, and that the extent of the carbon reductions is not as clear cut as it may appear. However, it is a matter not for my Department but for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.