§ Mr. Andrew MacKayTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he is in a position to announce his decision on the future role of the Energy Efficiency Office.
§ Mr. Peter Morrison[pursuant to his reply 22 January 1988, c. 885–86]: As I indicated in my answer of 22 January at columns 885–86, consumers are now well aware of the case for energy efficiency. The Energy Efficiency Office is therefore entering a fresh phase. I have decided that its aims will now be to run specific and targeted services backed by technical support, including guidance on the use of the energy efficiency industries; and to ensure that builders and property managers have the necessary technical advice.
633WAccordingly, from 1989–90, the main areas of the EEO's work will be:
(a) a better regional service offering specific advice and RD and D support to industrial and commercial firms;(b) continuing support for community insulation projects targeted on pensioners and low income households;(c) new ways of improving the energy efficiency of housing.As part of the conclusion of the first phase of the EEO's work, I have decided to bring an end to the energy efficiency survey scheme. There is now wide public appreciation of the potential value of energy surveys, and grants for this purpose are no longer justified. Applications for approval to undertake a survey under the scheme will therefore be considered only if they are received by 24 June 1988.