Mr. Philips Priceasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether, in connection with his fuel efficiency campaign, he will say what steps are to be taken to co-ordinate the activities of the nationalised coal, gas and electricity industries, with a view to ensuring that their policy is so arranged as to encourage consumers to use the most efficient form of energy for their heating, lighting and power requirements.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerUnder existing legislation, national policy for encouraging consumers to use the most efficient form of energy for their heating, lighting and power requirements rests with the Minister of Fuel and Power.
The extent to which consumers can be encouraged to use the most efficient form of energy raises wide political and economic questions, with which it would not be possible to deal within the limits of an answer to a Parliamentary Question, but I can assure my hon. Friend that it is a matter which I regard as of the highest importance, and to which I give my constant attention.