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CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme Order 2010

My Lords, I apologise to the House for being a few minutes late into the Chamber. I was surprised when we started at 19.20 rather than 19.30: my comfort zone suddenly evaporated. I will be brief, as the crucial points of this important matter will be picked up by my noble friend on the Front Bench. The briefing that I am receiving from the UK ports industry suggests that DECC advisers and officials are not listening to them. As a result, the way in which the carbon reduction commitment is applied will have consequences that are unfair and, worse still, counterproductive in terms of maximising the impact of the scheme. Parts of the Minister’s speech reinforced that feeling on my part. As noble Lords know, shipping is the most carbon-efficient form of mass transportation of goods. Therefore, it is vital that the future measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions do not compromise the industry’s competitiveness with other modes of transport. Furthermore, the ports industry has a very good record on tackling carbon emissions throughout its operations. For example, I am told that, in the first half of 2009 alone, the port of Tilbury reduced its own use of electricity consumption by around 30 per cent, building on reductions achieved in previous years. Tilbury has a public aspiration to become Britain’s greenest port. I look forward to visiting the port for the first time shortly. I fully support what the Minister said, but I ask that he ensures that he fully understands the intricacies of port estates and their operations. From what he said this evening, I am not convinced that he does. I urge him to take further time to consult and to make the necessary amendments to the CRC scheme, to ensure that the industry and its tenants can fully contribute to the county’s efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.