Conservation (Hansard, 24 March 1975)

§ 23. Mr. Rost
asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he will make a further statement of energy conservation.

§ The Under-Secretary of State for Energy (Mr. John Smith)
Energy saving is a continuous process and our programme will continue over a long period. The recently launched publicity campaign is already having effect and this, with the other measures taken so far, represents a substantial first step. My right hon. Friend will introduce further measures as appropriate.

§ Mr. Rost
Why has the Minister still not launched a programme to utilise the fuel at power stations more efficiently by recycling the waste heat, which at present comprises two-thirds of the fuel input and which is now wasted in cooling systems? Why are the Government still planning and building new power stations without programmes for utilising waste heat for industrial and domestic purposes?

§ Mr. Smith
The hon. Gentleman has raised an important subject that has been brought to the attention of the Department and is being considered.

§ Mr. Ward
Has my hon. Friend yet concluded his consultations with the automotive industry with a view to encouraging fuel saving, particularly by a greater use of diesel engines, which would show a great saving of fuel?

§ Mr. Smith
On this and other subjects my right hon. Friend is advised by the Advisory Council on Fuel Conservation, which is a highly expert and representative body. Any recommendations that it may make will receive very serious consideration by my right hon. Friend.

§ Mr. Patrick Jenkin
What steps is the Department taking to study and implement the proposals put to it by the National Industrial Fuel Efficiency Service?

§ Mr. Smith
Proposals put by the NIFES have been among proposals that have been put to the Department. As my right hon. Friend has repeatedly said, all such proposals receive serious consideration. I must emphasise that my right hon. Friend looks very much to the advisory council for advice and guidance in these matters. Many suggestions for energy conservation have been made, but careful consideration has to be given to their capital cost and many other factors must be taken into account.