§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Energy (1) what are the activities of the Advisory Council on Energy Conservation: what is its overall cost to public funds; and what fees are paid to its chairman and members:
(2) what was the cost to public funds in 1975 of the Advisory Council on Energy Conservation.
§ Dr. John A. CunninghamThe terms of reference of the Advisory Council on Energy Conservation were set out in Appendix A to the Council's Report to the Secretary of State for Energy (Energy Paper Number 3) of July 1975. A copy of this document has been placed in the Library.
The Council is continuing to explore, in consultation with a wide range of bodies including Government Departments, the scope for savings in all areas of energy consumption and use, and the means by which they can be realised. Its report to my right hon. Friend was published last year, and it has begun publishing a series of discussion papers based on work by its six specialist working groups. They are now directing attention increasingly to issues with medium and longer-term effect.
No fees are paid to the Council's chairman or members. The cost of meeting expenses incurred on Council 593W business in 1975 was £3,057. The costs of the staff of the Departments of Energy and the Environment employed full time in servicing the Council and its subordinate bodies are estimated at £44,000 for the same period. These staff costs include salaries, superannuation, accommodation and use of common services of four members of the Department of Energy, and one of the Department of the Environment. The cost of staff employed part-time in connection with the Council cannot be readily calculated.