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Climate Change and SustainableEnergy Bill

The Bill does address the issue, butit would only assist my hon. Friend in promotingthe installation of microgeneration, not make it compulsory. I was also pleased that many of the propositions put forward in a private Member’s Bill by my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Test (Dr. Whitehead) have been transferred to this Bill. I believe that we have a huge untapped resource for reducing carbon emissions from residential homes. I am talking not about symbolic gestures like installing a windmill on the roof, but about a serious approach that tackles the opportunities for installing microgeneration facilities and solar panels, complemented by better insulation and energy conservation measures. That is why I support the Bill’s proposition to oblige the Government to report regularly on progress in promoting energy efficiency in homes. Once again, I draw the attention of the House toa report published by the Environmental Audit Committee, in which we examine sustainable housing. The new homes due to be built are welcome, and I fully support the Government’s plans; no one will deny that there is great housing need, especially in the south-east. However, the construction of more than 1 millionnew homes in five years is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to implement new standards for environmentally friendly residential dwellings.