§ Mr. RaynsfordTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of each of the local energy advice centres in providing cost-effective advice to the public and on the need for the continued provision of such services(a) in those areas with local energy advice centres and (b) elsewhere. [33365]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesThe Government passed control of the local energy advice centre pilot study to the Energy Saving Trust at the beginning of April 1996. The trust is assessing the pilot study, which will be completed at the end of the September.
Previous market research results have demonstrated that the local energy advice centres are providing an effective and value for money service. Sixty per cent. of clients found the advice they received "very useful" and 90 per cent. of clients would recommend others to contact LEACs for advice. In 1994–95 around 57,000 clients visited LEAC offices. As a result of advice received, 21,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions were saved; and the total savings per annum were £1.8 million.
§ Mr. RaynsfordTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the continued funding of local energy advice centres. [33366]
§ Mr. JonesI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Cardiff, Central (Mr. Jones) on Tuesday 18 June 1996,Official Report, column 402.