Climate Change Bill [HL]

I thank the Minister for responding to this debate, which has shown what happens when you drop a pebble in the pond; it has been illustrative of the complexities to business that some of these schemes might bring. If we are asked directly whether the Opposition are in favour of these schemes, the answer is that of course we are, provided that they reduce carbon emissions and can be introduced in a non-complex and satisfactory manner. What has been shown is how difficult these schemes can be. Nevertheless, we all know that the waste recycling obligations had similar critics when they were first considered. We will learn as these schemes progress. However, they are no panacea and there comes a point, as the noble Lord, Lord Teverson, said, when it is totally counterproductive for them to be introduced. I am grateful to the noble Lord for elaborating on how he sees this part of the Bill operating.