---

Energy Bill

We are talking now about the role of the regulator. We believe that the best way to get the result we want—the achievement of renewable targets and a secure and sustainable energy policy—is by having an economic regulator whose primary function is to make sure that this industry remains competitive and looks after the interests of the consumer. That is our view. The noble Lord would like to see a fundamental change. I do not apologise for pressing the noble Lord, Lord De Mauley, and his Front Bench on whether they see this as a fundamental change and, if so, whether they support it. We think that it would be a dangerous step to take in terms of the confidence of the very people who we want to invest in this industry, which will be vital in the years ahead. That is why we take the view that we do.