HC Deb 18 November 1974 vol 881 cc287-90W
31. Mr. Michael Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what measures the Government have taken to encourage energy saving during the coming winter.

Mr. Eadie

In addition to the list below, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State hopes, as the House knows, to make a further statement soon. I would welcome any specific suggestions which the hon. Member might care to make.

The following is a list of measures already undertaken by the Government or in hand with the objective of securing greater economy and efficiency in the use of energy:

Prices.

  1. 1. The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his Budget Speech of 12th November the Government's objective to phase out subsidies for nationalised fuel industries as fast as possible. So far this year action has been taken on fuel prices as set out in point, 2–6 below.
  2. 2. The price for domestic coal has been increased on average by 12–20 per cent. to the consumer and the price of industrial coal has risen on average by 79 per cent. this year.
  3. 3. The price of electricity mainly to domestic consumers has increased on average by about 30 per cent. so far this year.
  4. 4. The price of gas has increased by 7½ per cent. on all tariffs and in addition 21 per cent. on average for non-domestic tariffs this year.
  5. 5. The VAT on motor spirit was imposed on 1st April 1974 and was increased to 25 per cent. on 18th November.
  6. 6. VAT was applied to derv in April now amounting to about 4p per gallon.

Incentives

  1. 7. Initial tax allowances for expenditure on insulation of industrial buildings have been raised to 100 per cent.
  2. 8. Hire purchase controls on space heating installations have been relaxed to 10 per cent. minimum down payment—from 33⅓ per cent. and the maximum repayment period extended from two to five years.
  3. 9. Assistance is being given to one-day conferences and seminars for industry on energy conservation either through the regional offices of the Department of Industry or through other selected organisations.

Legislation.

  1. 10. Part III of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act has extended the purposes for which the Building Regulations may be made to further the conservation of fuel and power.
  2. 11. It is proposed to amend the Building Regulations to increase by about double the thermal insulation requirements of new housing.

Administration.

  1. 12. Discussions have been held—and are continuing—with many engineering, professional and trade institutions and associations, all the fuel industries and many organisations specialising in energy and fuel consumption in 289 order to obtain information, advice and co-operation in promoting energy conservation.
  2. 13. Further energy conservation measures are being continued in the successful programme of the Government Property Services Agency for the Government Estate.
  3. 14. Instructions have been issued throughout the Government service to economise on the use of heat and light in buildings.

Advice and Promotion.

  1. 15. The Advisory Council on Energy Conservation under the chairmanship of Professor Sir William Hawthorne has been established and is tendering advice to the Secretary of State.
  2. 16. The Secretary of State's speech to the Association of British Science Writers on 26th June 1974 setting out the Government's approach to energy conservation has been printed in pamphlet form and some 25,000 copies distributed.
  3. 17. A consultant has been employed to advise on what advisory services are available to industry and on the possibility of organising an advisory service for the smaller firms; his interim report is now being studied.
  4. 18. The Central Policy Review Staff report was published in July 1974 to promote discussion.
  5. 19. The Department of the Environment has published a pamphlet "Warmth Kept In" on how to conserve energy in houses.
  6. 20. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has published a pamphlet on fuel saving techniques in farming.
  7. 21. A survey of public attitudes, commissioned by my Department through the Central Office of Information has been completed and a further survey is being commissioned.
  8. 22. Discussions are continuing with the fuel industries to co-ordinate the promotion of energy conservation.
  9. 23. The Government are urgently planning a promotional campaign, including pamphlets, advisory leaflets and exhibitions.

Research and Development

  1. 24. The Energy Technology Research Unit which was established at Harwell in April has included in its activities energy conservation in industry and the monitoring of research and development activities generally in the energy conservation field.
  2. 25. A joint survey of energy conservation in industry is being conducted with the Confederation of British Industry.
  3. 26. The Departments of Industry and Environment are exploring the question of more efficient vehicles and the measurement of fuel consumption.
  4. 27. The Department of Industry has formed a special committee on the research and development measures necessary for industry.

International

  1. 28. The Government have played an active part in international discussions in the follow up to the Washington Energy Conference, leading to the establishment of the International 290 Energy Programme, and in the OECD, NATO and the EEC.