HC Deb 25 February 1991 vol 186 cc340-1W
16 Mr. Wareing

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what consultations he has had with community insulation groups regarding the progress of the home energy efficiency scheme.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

The home energy efficiency scheme came into operation on 1 January and the initial indications are that it is being well received. Through Neighbourhood Energy Action, the community insulation groups were closely involved in the development of HEES.

Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what plans his Department has to promote energy efficiency labelling.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

Since the White Paper on the Environment "This Common Inheritance" (Cmnd. 1200) my Energy Efficiency Office has consulted extensively on the practicality of appliance labelling schemes and encouraged the European Commission in its own consultative work on drawing up a proposal for a directive. We hope to introduce a voluntary scheme in advance of an EC scheme.

There are two labelling schemes for housing currently available, both launched in 1990. The schemes are based on the Building Research Establishment's domestic energy model. The EEO is exploring with the organisations involved how the concept of home energy labelling can be more widely promoted.