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Planning and Energy Bill

I agree entirely with the hon. Gentleman's comments. Many other local authorities are following Merton's lead and taking the lead in other respects in relation to the environment. Many of those authorities, whether Merton or my local authority, Sutton, which is the neighbouring borough to Merton, have been mentioned today. It is still significant, however, that we often think of individual authorities taking the lead. In many respects, the energy efficiency standards or building regulations are deficient or at least not challenging enough. The Bill addresses energy efficiency standards and clears up the uncertainty that surrounds the Merton rule. In response to a number of questions and interventions, DCLG Ministers have given assurances that there is no threat to the Merton rule. The experience on the ground, however, is that some local authorities find it difficult, or are reluctant to use it, to provide the level of renewable energy provided in Merton. I do not want to detain the House any longer. I want to see the Bill proceed. It is a short Bill that would make a huge difference to the UK's ability to tackle CO2 emissions and climate change, and I hope that it will receive its Second Reading today.