§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Energy whether, in the interests of energy conservation, he will set specific targets for the reduction of consumption of (a) coal-fired, (b) oil-fired and (c) nuclear power electricity generating stations over the next five years; and, if not, by what methods he proposes to encourage or monitor further reductions in output.
§ Dr. John A. CunninghamNo. The fuel use and output of coal-fired, oil-fired and nuclear-powered electricity generating stations are monitored and published monthly in my Department's publicationEnergy Trends. The Government's policy on energy conservation, taking into account the recommendations of the Select Committee on Science and Technology and of the Advisory Council on Energy Conservation, is set out in the White Paper "Energy Conservation" (Cmnd 6575). The policy on targets is set out in paragraph 7 of that White Paper, and the position on power station fuelling in paragraph 33(d).
§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Energy what specific 40W targets or aims he has set for the reduction in consumption of electricity over the next five years in pursuit of this policy of energy conservation.
§ Dr. John A. CunninghamAs stated in paragraph 7 of the White Paper "Energy Conservation" (Cmnd 6575) the Government accept the desirability of energy saving targets being set. We believe that we should proceed by encouraging individual industries and firms to set their own targets in a way that takes realistic account of their circumstances, opportunities and plans. The Government are continuing to give such encouragement, as opportunity offers.