§ Mr. Rathboneasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will report on his achievements in encouraging energy conservation in the Province.
§ Mr. ViggersNorthern Ireland is playing its full part in Energy Efficiency Year 1986 through intensive advertising campaigns, seminars, exhibitions, domestic competitions, presentations to school children and energy saving demonstrations for both the domestic and industrial consumer. Response to the campaign has been very encouraging. The Department of Economic Development has issued some 4,000 domestic, industrial and schools information packs. In the industrial sector, interest in the energy conservation scheme remains high with annual savings estimated at £3.6 million. Grant approvals under the homes insulation scheme indicate a 14 per cent. increase in the first three quarters of 1986 compared to the same period last year. Six voluntary insulation projects have insulated and/or draught proofed 27,000 houses. A special primary schools presentation has been seen by almost 20,000 children.