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Energy Bill

What will be done is a matter for extensive consultation, when the hon. Gentleman will have an opportunity to make those points. I offer that suggestion as a way out of the dilemma that hon. Members mentioned. I was asked about clause 14 by the hon. Member for North Southwark and Bermondsey. The Secretary of State already has the power to amend the fuel poverty definition under the Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000. We are not, however, looking to change that definition. He also asked what we could do those customers already suffering harm, but whose cases had been timed out. The legislation will not apply retrospectively, as I think he understood, and that is why we are extending the provision to enable breaches of licence going back more than 12 months—indeed, up to five years—to be tackled. My hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Test (Dr. Whitehead) said that the Bill might be modest, but it represents a real step forward. He is so right. He recognises that this limited Bill will do a lot that is complementary to the huge programme of change that is already under way. He demonstrated his deep understanding of the relationship between the three elements of fuel poverty—prices, energy efficiency and incomes—and I am grateful for his welcome of the investment and regulatory approach that we are taking in the Bill. The hon. Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Ellwood), in an alarmist speech, spoke a great deal about gas storage. He accused us of coming late to new nuclear, but it was his party that said that it was a policy of last resort. We are getting on with the job while his party has been dithering. He spoke about Vestas, which is producing blades not for the UK market, but for the US market. He said that there is nothing in the Bill to incentivise wind turbines—that is incredible, because we have the renewables obligation certificates—and nothing for local communities, when of course there are jobs and investment.