§ 4. Mr. Burtasked the Secretary of State for Energy what are the estimated maximum savings per year arising from the energy efficiency campaign announced by his Department.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithIt has been estimated that 20 per cent. of the nation's energy bill could be saved by cost-effective efficiency measures by the late 1990s. The aim of the campaign is to achieve this as soon as possible.
§ Mr. BurtBearing in mind the complaints by industry about the Government's failure to get the message across and the consequent failure by industry to apply for grants that it may need to fulfil the aims of the conservation campaign, will the Minister outline what steps he intends to take to publicise the campaign throughout the country?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithAs my right hon. Friend announced last week, an energy efficiency office has been established in my Department with the particular task of carrying the campaign forward. We do not intend the campaign to run only centrally. Ministers hope to visit cities and other centres throughout the United Kingdom in the next few months. We believe that enormous savings can be made. I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his support.
§ Mr. HanleyWill my right hon. Friend set out the extent of the publicity that is planned through advertising on television and in newspapers?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI cannot give the detailed expenditure figures. However, every means possible will be used to bring the campaign home lo the public and industry. If savings of 20 per cent. at present prices can be achieved by the end of the 1990s, a potential saving of £7 billion a year is possible. That is a worthwhile prize to work for.