HC Deb 05 November 2003 vol 412 c663W
Sir Robert Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the amendments the UK Government wish to see to the draft EU constitution where it impacts on Government policy for the exploitation of oil and gas reserves from the UK continental shelf. [R] [135326]

Mr. MacShane

[holding answer 30 October 2003]: Article III-130(2)(c) of the draft EU Constitutional Treaty, which is based on Article 175(2)(c) of the TEC, sets out the Union competence to adopt measures significantly affecting a member state's choice between different energy sources and the general structure of its energy supply

By unanimity. Article 111–157 of the draft EU Constitutional Treaty states the policy on energy shall aim to:

  1. (a) ensure the functioning of the energy market,
  2. (b) ensure security of energy supply in the Union, and
  3. (c) promote energy efficiency and saving and the development of new and renewable forms of energy and states that this policy shall not affect a member state's choice between different energy sources and the general structure of its energy supply.

Under the Treaty establishing the European Community, there is already Union activity in energy matters. We believe there is a strong case for making the legal base for policy in this 8/2/2006area more transparent.