§ 3. Mr. Nicholas Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Energy what take-up of energy conservation measures there has been among local authorities, local education authorities and other such public bodies as a result of his recent initiatives.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Energy (Mr. Buchanan-Smith)Local authorities and other public bodies are taking an increasing interest in implementing energy conservation measures as a result of my right hon. Friend's recent initiatives.
§ Mr. BakerHas there been an increase in the number of inquiries by local authorities and other public bodies, because it is my impression that the take-up of energy conservation measures by those bodies is far too slow?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThese inquiries are coordinated by the local authorities' management services and computer committee. I am pleased to inform my hon. Friend that since our energy conservation campaign was launched and the energy efficiency office set up last October, there has been a 50 per cent. increase in the number of inquiries going to that body. I welcome that, because I believe that there is tremendous scope for local authorities and other public bodies to enjoy the benefits of energy conservation.
§ Mr. FormanI warmly welcome the energy conservation campaign, which has been reinforced by the Government, but does my right hon. Friend believe that local authorities — many of which are in difficult financial circumstances this year — have enough resources available to them for those desirable purposes? If not, will he consider providing some additional specific help from his Department to that end?
§ Mr. Buchanan- SmithConsiderable sums are spent — for example, by the Department of the Environment. Many of the measures of energy conservation are extremely cost-effective for the bodies concerned. Therefore, if they are prepared to invest in energy saving measures, there is a direct revenue return for the councils concerned, to their own benefit and the benefit of ratepayers.
EadieWill the right hon. Gentleman inform the House of any other available information, relevant to local authorities, concerning combined heat and power? It has been the subject of discussion for some time. It is all very well to tell people of the advantages of energy conservation, but some finance must be made available as well.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe hon. Gentleman seems to be slightly behind in his information. The matter of combined heat and power is being examined in different parts of the country and carried forward very satisfactorily.