§ 20. Mr. Favellasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a further statement about energy efficiency year.
§ Mr. David HuntEnergy Efficiency Year is now in full swing. Our campaign has generated substantial interest and activity throughout the country. Around 400 events have already taken place and over a thousand will take place this year.
§ 22. Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make it his policy to encourage companies and local authorities to appoint full-time energy audit managers.
§ Mr. David HuntIt is already my right hon. Friend's policy to encourage the appointment of energy managers. The number of energy managers has doubled over the past 2½ years since my right hon. Friend launched the energy efficiency campaign.
§ 25. Mr. Pikeasked the Secretary of State for Energy what new initiatives Her Majesty's Government propose to take in energy efficiency year to promote energy efficiency projects.
§ Mr. David HuntEnergy Efficiency Year is itself a major new initiative designed to encourage increased takeup of existing successful Government schemes, to promote more widespread action on the comprehensive range of advice and information prepared by Government agencies, and to stimulate the more vigorous and successful marketing of the ever-expanding range of energy efficiency goods and services available in the market place. It is succeeding on all these fronts.
27. Mr. Andy Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Energy what is his most recent estimate of the savings generated by industry and commerce through energy efficiency schemes.
§ Mr. David HuntAction taken by companies which have already responded to our energy efficiency campaign is leading to savings of at least £500 million a year. Energy Efficiency Year will of course stimulate further substantial savings.