HC Deb 14 April 1980 vol 982 cc489-90W
Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what reduction is contemplated in 1980–81 in the scheme to give grants to industry to replace old and inefficient boilers and develop industrial combined heat and power schemes.

Mr. David Mitchell

The financial allocation to the energy conservation scheme is unaltered. The scheme was announced in June 1978 as a two-year scheme and entry to it closes on 30 June 1980. This is the last date for receipt by the Department of applications for grants towards consultancy work. Subsequent applications for grants towards projects which arise from approved consultancies must be received not later than 30 September 1980.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what reduction is contemplated in 1980–81 in the funding of demonstration schemes for industrial energy conservation.

Mr. David Mitchell

The energy conservation demonstration scheme has built up rather more slowly than expected when it was announced in December 1977. After a small start in 1978–79, the Government's spend on approved projects in the past financial year was just over £¼ million. The Departments of Energy and Industry have allocated approximately £1.5 million to the scheme for 1980–81 and this sum is expected to be quite adequate to support worthwhile applications.