Business

Packaging chiefs have questioned the creation of an energy and environment ministry but broadly welcome its presence on the government's agenda.

Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association director Nick Mullen fears that disassociating Energy and Climate from Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform may not produce a "strong coherent strategy for the manufacturing sector in the UK".

"A stable energy platform is critical to assuring future investment; how this brings together the Carbon Trust, Wrap, local authorities and waste collections will need to be understood," he said.

"From the appointments of Peter Mandelson and Ed Miliband, it does appear that politics is up front and centre of policy-making and it is essential in this process that manufacturing and commercial activity is given due consideration."

British Plastics Federation director general Peter Davis questioned whether climate change, which is no longer under the remit of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), will fit with Energy, given that former BERR minister, John Hutton, said last month that the country's energy needs must take priority over climate change.

The BPF had previously called for the appointment of an energy minister, the cancellation of the autumn fuel duty and a stamp duty holiday for first-time buyers. All three proposals have been brought in.

"We are glad they are listening to us and adopting our proposals - we have plenty of others," he said.

But he added that the BPF and Defra had "struggled" with their relationship in recent times.

"Hopefully this situation will improve with the new government department."