§ 14. Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's record in energy conservation. [20950]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesThe United Kingdom has a good record in energy conservation. Primary energy consumption in the United Kingdom has remained fairly constant since 1970, despite the 60 per cent. rise in gross domestic product. The United Kingdom expects carbon dioxide emissions to be 4 to 8 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2000. We have a wide range of initiatives to promote energy efficiency, including the provision of information and advice, voluntary schemes, selective use of grants, incentives and regulation. For example, by December 1995, my Departments's energy efficiency best practice programme had generated energy savings worth at least £450 million a year.
§ Dr. Lynne JonesDo not the Government's sustainable development indicators show that there is absolutely no room for complacency? Can the Minister explain how slashing the home energy efficiency scheme and putting value added tax at 17.5 per cent. on energy-saving materials can possibly help to improve the Government's record?
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesOf course the hon. Lady is right: there is no room for complacency. A few moments ago, I explained the situation regarding HEES. It is difficult to 828 get the message across to individuals that they must use less energy, whether in their homes or in the way in which they use their motor vehicles. We will continue to try to get that message across, as, I hope, will individuals and local authorities, whatever their political persuasion.
§ Dr. SpinkIs my hon. Friend aware that I have personally helped more than 200 of my constituents to get home energy conservation grants, and that those grants help them to insulate their homes, to draught-proof and to lag their pipes and to save up to 25 per cent. on their energy bills? Is he not right to target that money on the over-60s, who need those grants? Will he take my word for it that he has mastered his brief excellently?
§ Mr. JonesI am grateful to my hon. Friend, who has certainly pointed out the importance of targeting. I remind him and the hon. Member for Edinburgh, South (Mr. Griffiths) that those who do not receive 100 per cent. grants in future will nevertheless get a 25 per cent. discount for the work, which is a substantial advantage and should motivate them to get the work done.