HC Deb 20 January 1975 vol 884 c1013
19. Mr. Jessel

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what further action he is now proposing to encourage the saving of energy in houses and flats.

Mr. Varley

Energy saving in houses and flats will be one of the main targets of the publicity campaign which I am launching today. I have no proposals at present for specific new measures but am keeping the matter under review.

Mr. Jessel

I welcome the announcement of the publicity campaign, which is long overdue, but why has the right hon. Gentleman no more specific proposals? Is it not time we had a sustained and vigorous attempt to persuade the public to switch off heating and lighting, which in many houses are still used to excess?

Mr. Varley

There is a great deal in what the hon. Gentleman says. When he has had time to consider the publicity campaign and the publicity material provided—I shall gladly send him a copy and all the information concerned—I think he will realise that a good deal is being done.

Mr. George Cunningham

Will my right hon. Friend consult my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Construction about the matter, because the present rules which require a form of heating in living rooms but not in bedrooms cause an awful waste of energy in council-built accommodation?

Mr. Varley

I was not aware of that. We hope to have discussions on the matter with local authority associations very soon, and that is one subject which will be on the agenda.