§ Mr. Churchillasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will establish minimum energy efficiency standards to include buildings, vehicles, appliances and heating equipment.
§ Mr. John MooreMinimum standards of thermal insulation of buildings are set in the building regulations for which the Department of the Environment is responsible. Improvements in standards for new domestic buildings are under consideration.
We do not at present plan to introduce mandatory efficiency standards for vehicles; we have a voluntary commitment from the motor industry to a target of a 10 per cent. improvement in the average petrol consumption of new cars by 1985.
I shall be introducing a Bill later in the Session which will provide enabling powers to set minimum efficiency standards for all types of heating appliances, 383W and to require the labelling of household appliances with their energy consumption.