§ Mr. Rostasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current total fuel bill for all establishments and transport within his departmental responsibility; what programme is under way to reduce energy consumption; and what is the percentage target of savings over what time scale.
§ Mr. John SilkinThe accommodation for my Department is mainly provided by the Property Services Agency, which is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment. My Department is, however, responsible for 22 experimental centres for which the estimated fuel bill in 1977–78 is £270,000. The fuel bill for all my Departments official vehicles in 1977–78 is estimated at £280,000. No specific target for fuel savings has been laid down. But the use of fuel is subject to continuous control, and standing instructions require the strictest economy in the use of vehicles to be exercised at all times.