Climate Change Bill [HL]

This whole section empowers the national authorities to give binding instructions to the Committee on Climate Change on how it is to exercise its functions. We oppose the inclusion of the clause because we do not feel that it should be within the order-making powers of the Secretary of State to prescribe the committee’s function or to amend its intended investigations. It would erode the independence of the committee if the execution of its duties could be changed by order. The functions of the committee are already set out in primary legislation, and the provision to have this changed by order is unnecessary and risks losing the independence which we feel is essential to the successful operation of the committee. We respect the fact that there might be situations in which national authorities might seek to have the committee investigate particular problems or issues. Still, it is not appropriate, if we intend to maintain the independence of the committee, to allow its functions to be determined by prescription. The roles and functions of the committee have already been the subject of much contention. Thus, it is not appropriate for these functions to be set and changed by order and without further debate. I beg to move.