HC Deb 03 March 1976 vol 906 cc629-30W
Mr. John Moore

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what estimate he has made of the energy savings which should accrue from the intensification of his Department's advertising campaign, as indicated by the increase in his advertising budget from £1,421,900 in 1974–75 to £3,369,900 in 1975–76.

Mr. Eadie

The increased total expenditure on the "Save it" campaign in 1975–76 does not indicate an intensification of the campaign. The smaller sum of £1,421,900 in 1974–75 was spent in a short period of time between 20th January and 31st March 1975 and comprised mainly the initial launching costs. The larger sum of £3,369,900 for 1975–76 therefore represents a much lower monthly or annual rate of expenditure The question of additional energy savings through increased advertising therefore does not arise, although the "Save It" campaign as a whole and other conservation measures, have produced energy savings conservatively estimated at 2 per cent. This 2 per cent, of energy consumption amounts to the equivalent of about 4.5 million tons of oil, worth at least £150 million at present prices.

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