Chamber and committees

I am very grateful for that answer. I also asked about the representations that you have had. I wonder whether the answer to that, along with the answer to my previous question, might be provided to the committee after the meeting, if that would not be any trouble.

I mean the definitions that relate to things such as fuel poverty. It is difficult to make a direct comparison between data, because different definitions exist. Why might that be the case?

I understand. I thank you for the comprehensive reply.

The cabinet secretary said in his opening remarks that a tension exists between achieving a reduction in fuel poverty and other policy objectives, such as a transition to net zero. How do you foresee that tension being resolved? Which objective will take priority if you cannot resolve that tension?

I will go ever so slightly local as my friend Mark Ruskell did earlier, because the point has now come up. You have talked a lot about investment in heating systems to decarbonise properties. In the draft report, the strategy and in your answer, you talked about electric-powered heat pumps. Given the catastrophe of the past few days, what are you going to do to convince people that electricity and electric-powered heating is the way to go, particularly in more rural areas, as my friends were discussing earlier? What contingency planning will be done so that, if everyone were to move to electric-powered heating and if we had the sort of catastrophe that we have had over the past few days, those in rural areas will not be left freezing in their houses?

I have nothing to add to the important comments that have already been made.

I would be very grateful if you would do that.

My final question comes at the issue from a slightly different angle. Part 3 of the regulations, which I have in front of me, potentially fixes corporate liability on directors, managers and even “members”—I presume that that means members of a club or something. Is that usual? What representations have you had from legal or business bodies on that provision?

I asked about legal and/or business organisations that might have made representations on part 3.

I would be very grateful. Thank you.

The technical problem is unfortunate as I was interested in what Janet McVea was saying. I hope that we will re-establish the connection shortly.

Minister, I understand that the intention is to publish guidance to help those who are affected by the regulations. What is the current status of that guidance? What is the timeline for its introduction?

The financial assessment says that there will be a minimal impact from the regulations. What will be the impact in terms of both numbers of businesses and value? What mitigations are being considered for businesses—as producers and users—that will be impacted?