§ Mr. Spellerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the expenditure of the National Health Service on fuel bills in the last five years for which figures are available; and what steps are being taken to implement energy efficiency measures.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe annual accounts submitted to our Department by health authoirities in England show total expenditure on fuel, light and power as follows:
£ million 1978–79 143.6 1979–80 180.4 1980–81 224.4 1981–82 262.2 1982–83 268.8 The figures exclude the cost of fuel and oil used for transport and expenditure by the Dental Estimates Board and the Prescription Pricing Authority.
It is our policy to encourage and assist the NHS in its energy efficiency programmes. This policy includes sponsoring energy-saving projects as examples of good practice, monitoring progress and publishing design and operational information to the NHS.