§ Mr. Ripponasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the purpose of the industrial energy thrift scheme; how widely it is used; and how much it costs.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe purpose of the industrial energy thrift scheme is to find out how energy is being used in industry, how it could be used more efficiently, and where further research and development and demonstration is needed to stimulate the adoption of energy conservation technology.
628WThe scheme is organised on an industry sector basis and about 20 per cent. of firms invited agreed to take part. Approximately 4,500 establishments have participated and all manufacturing industry will have been covered by the time the scheme ends 1981–82.
The scheme started in 1976 and outturn at the end of March 1980 was £1.50 million. The estimated further cost to completion will be £1.07 million—excluding VAT—at 1979 survey prices.