HC Deb 19 December 1995 vol 268 cc1099-100W
Ms Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give details of how the best practice programme will save 2 million tonnes of carbon emissions. [7324]

Mr. Clappison

The energy efficiency best practice programme produces authoritative guidance on energy efficiency measures, promoted to industry, commerce and buildings professionals. It has a target of stimulating energy savings that, by the year 2000, will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 5 million tonnes of carbon per year. Market research shows that the programme has already generated annual reductions of some 2 million tonnes of carbon, and that it is well on course to meet its target for 2000.

Ms Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the energy efficiency programmes whose continuing effects are expected to contribute to reducing carbon emissions as stated in the progress report on carbon dioxide emissions, and the date that each programme(a) commenced and (b) finished or is expected to finish. [7331]

Mr. Clappison

Of the many energy efficiency initiatives which predate the United Kingdom climate change programme, the principal ones—the energy efficiency best practice programme and the Government's work in promoting combined heat and power—began in 1989 and 1990 respectively. Both programmes are on-going.

Ms Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what factors underlay the reduction in forecast carbon dioxide savings from energy efficiency measures in the progress report on carbon dioxide emissions published on 14 December; [7325]

(2) what conditions led to the increase in the forecast contained in the progress report on carbon dioxide emissions for savings in carbon dioxide emissions as a result of road fuel duty. [7355]

Mr. Clappison

I refer the hon. Member to pages 23 and 24 of the report.