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Energy Bill

This whole area is quite complex, and even more so after the contribution of the noble Lord, Lord O’Neill. It is also an issue of great concern given the increasing competition between the growing of biomass for fuel and growing food. Perhaps, and particularly in the United Kingdom, we overexaggerate the problems associated with combining crops so that some are used for food and rest utilised as biomass. Certainly in the context of the UK, it would be difficult to see a situation where the value of a food crop was greater as biomass than it was as a foodstuff. However, I very much take the point that forms an important part of the argument made by the noble Lord, Lord De Mauley, that this could encompass imports as well as UK-produced biomass. There is at present a considerable under-use of biomass for fuel, but this area is one where there is increasing public concern and where, because of the steep increases in food prices not only in this country but worldwide, we need to make sure that there is no market substitution of energy for food. Given that, I will be interested to hear the Minister’s response to this well thought through amendment.