§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what percentage increase in real terms in 1980–81 over 1979–80 will occur in public expenditure on energy conservation.
§ Mr. John MooreThe energy technology support unit's tasks include the assessment of opportunities for research, development and demonstration in the field of energy conservation and the formulation and management of projects funded by my Department. The unit's effort on these tasks will be increased during 1980.
Studies cover all major sectors of the use of energy: buildings, industry and transport—in collaboration with other Departments as appropriate, but priority has been given to the industrial sector. The studies of particular industries which have been completed so far have been published in the Department's energy audit series; work is continuing on other sectors, such as malting and fertiliser and steel manufacture. Other studies, such as the application of heat pumps, high temperature insulation, fluidised bed combustion and industrial drying, are planned and executed on a technology-by-technology basis. A number of the initial projects stimulated and managed by the unit are now showing energy savings in practice.
§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Energy what special studies are currently being undertaken by the energy technology support unit on energy conservation.
§ Mr. John MooreThe total amount of public expenditure specifically allocated to energy conservation programmes in 1980–81 is much the same, in real terms,36W as estimated outturn expenditure in 1979–80.