News story

30th November 2001

MP Backs Energy Conservation Bill

Northavon MP Steve Webb today made a rare Friday return to Westminster to be present to support a Private Members’ Bill designed to protect the environment. The “Home Energy Conservation Bill”, promoted by Labour MP Des Turner, is designed to reduce fuel poverty and improve the environment by improving the energy efficiency of private households. It also contains measures to regulate multiply-occupied houses which are often associated with a higher risk of fires or even fatalities because of inadequately maintained heating.

Steve Webb had received representations from a number of constituents encouraging him to be present for any vote on the Bill. In response, he moved his weekly constituency surgery and rearranged other constituency engagements in order to travel back to Westminster in time for a possible vote on the Bill. Bills promoted by individual MPs are very vulnerable to delaying tactics unless large numbers of MPs turn up in their support. In the event, the visible support in the House of Commons of MPs from all parties guaranteed that delaying tactics would not succeed, and the Bill successfully completed its first Commons hurdle. It will now be considered in detail by a small committee of MPs before returning to the Commons in the Spring.

Steve Webb said:

“I attach great importance to legislation designed to reduce fuel poverty and protect the environment. Although MPs normally spend Fridays in their constituencies holding surgeries and fulfilling other engagements, I decided that it was important to be back at Westminster today to show my support for this Bill. I am delighted that it made progress and hope that its remaining Parliamentary stages proceed smoothly.”.


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