§ Mr. Gowasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in view of the need to reduce the consumption of oil and the increase in the tax on oil announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 12th November, he has any proposals to reduce the amount of oil consumed by Government Departments and local authorities.
§ Mr. KaufmanThere is no increase in the tax on heating oil, but I am very much aware of the need to secure economy in the consumption of all forms of fuel.
Various measures are being taken by the Property Services Agency to see that authorised heating standards in Government buildings are not exceeded and that the heating is off during unoccupied periods. All staff are being reminded of the need to avoid waste and in particular to turn off all unnecessary lights and appliances. The reaction of staff to this fuel economy campaign has been encouraging.
Measures already introduced to save petrol and diesel used by official vehicles will continue.
In consultation with my colleague, the Secretary of State for Energy, I am also considering what advice can be given to local authorities on methods of securing economy in fuel consumption.