HC Deb 17 January 1992 vol 201 cc713-4W
Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many small and medium companies he anticipates will be assisted under the energy management assistance scheme—EMAS—what provisions he is making for publicizing the availability of consultancy advice under EMAS; what steps he is taking to ensure an even distribution of awareness of the availability of EMAS grants in each United Kingdom region; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Heathcoat-Amory

My energy efficiency office has set itself the target of 500 successful applications for grants under the energy management assistance scheme during the 1992–93 financial year, with 1,000 grants in each of the subsequent two years. The Scheme will be open to applicants throughout Great Britain and I understand that the Department for Economic Development is considering a similar scheme for Northern Ireland.

There was some preliminary publicity about EMAS at the national energy management exhibition and conference in December, when consultants and equipment suppliers from throughout the United Kingdom were able to learn about the principles of the scheme. This information was reported in four trade journals, leading to over a hundred inquiries from all parts of the United Kingdom.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy will launch the scheme formally through the technical press in February and detailed guidelines and application forms for EMAS will be printed in preparation for this. The Energy Efficiency Office's own journal "Energy Management", which has a very wide circulation, will also publicise EMAS.