Public Bodies (Heating and Lighting)

HC Deb 15 May 1987 vol 116 cc428-9W

Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to the total expenditure during 1986–87 incurred upon the heating and lighting of properties occupied by each of the public bodies for which he has responsibility; and if he will give details of the amount spent on energy efficiency measures in these properties during the same period.

Mrs. Currie

Information about the expenditure on heating and lighting and energy efficiency measures in properties occupied by public bodies coming within my right hon. Friend's responsibility is not available.

Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give details of the total expenditure during 1986–87 incurred upon the heating and lighting of properties for which he is directly responsible; and if he will give details of the amounts spent on energy efficiency measures in these properties during the same period.

Mrs. Currie

My right hon. Friend has direct responsibilities for expenditure by the Department and for the expenditure of the National Health Service. The total expenditure during 1986–87 upon heating and lighting for properties occupied by the Department was £9.9 million. The total for National Health Service properties during 1986–87 is not yet available; however, for the year 1985–86 the total was £290 million.

Expenditure on energy efficiency measures is incurred by the Property Services Agency as well as the Department on buildings occupied by DHSS. Information on such expenditure is not available. A departmental energy efficiency manager has been appointed to improve energy efficiency in the Department. In addition, energy efficiency measures are included within the responsibilities of accommodation staff located in buildings occupied by the Department.

The expenditure on energy efficiency measures by the National Health Service is not recorded separately and thus is not available. However, considerable effort is made by local health authorities to reduce their energy bills, while modern hospitals and other National Health Service buildings are designed to be energy efficient.