§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the sums devoted from public funds to the Energy Saving Trust; and what was the pay of the chairman for the last available year. [4855]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesI am pleased to be able to announce an increase in the funding for the Energy Saving Trust. Planned funding for the years 1997–98 to 1999–2000 has been increased by a total of £21.5 million. This means that our public expenditure plans now incorporate funding of £14 million for the trust in 1999–2000 and increased funding of £32.5 million over the years 1997–98 and 1998–99. In addition, grants of up to £25 million have been made available to the Energy Saving Trust in 1996–97. The pay of its chairman is a matter for the Energy Saving Trust, which is an independent private company.