§ 15. Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Energy when he next proposes to have discussions with the European Community Council of Ministers about alternative sources of energy.
§ Mr. Peter Walker[pursuant to his reply, 24 November 1986, c. 11]: I should like to report the outcome of the meeting of the European Communities Council of Energy Ministers on 26 November.
I took the chair on behalf of the United Kingdom Presidency and my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy represented the United Kingdom.
Council adopted a major new commitment to the benefits of energy efficiency. To bring this home to consumers, Ministers agreed to publicise the need for greater energy efficiency within member states. They also agreed, on the basis of policies apprioprate to each member state, to promote successful technologies, exchange information and to examine new sources of private finance for energy efficient investment.
A resolution was agreed establishing a Community approach to the development of new and renewable sources of energy. At the request of the Presidency, the Commission agreed to call a major meeting of chief scientists in the new year to exchange information. This would establish a firm basis for further work on how best to encourage the economic exploitation of these sources of energy, which were likely to be of growing importance, despite current low oil prices.
Council reviewed progress with the programme of work outlined in the Commission's June framework communication on nuclear health and safety. It noted that the Commission will shortly bring forward detailed proposals for action under the Euratom treaty, drawing on the lessons learnt at Chernobyl. Ministers stressed that the continuing use and development of nuclear power required the highest standards of safety and environmental protection. It was agreed that the Commission would report progress regularly to the Energy Council. Council also noted the important measures agreed and under consideration by the International Atomic Energy Agency, and that the agency remained the appropriate forum for carrying forward international action.
Ministers held a first exchange on a wide-ranging Commission discussion paper on possible ways of improving energy efficiency in transport. Council noted that the transport sector remained almost totally dependent on oil products and that increases in oil consumption in the sector were a matter of concern. The Commission agreed to examine the options for savings and reduced oil dependence identified in discussion.
Council discussed the effects of low oil prices on other fuels and possible implications for the Community's 304W recently adopted energy objectives for 1995. It noted that there were clearly a number of far-reaching implications for all sources of energy from prolonged low oil prices. The Commission is to consider these further.
Ministers considered recent developments in the oil market. They noted that the market remained volatile and that the Commission would continue to monitor developments in oil trade and consumption as well as in the refining industry.
Lastly, Council considered extending the Communtiy system of labels showing the energy consumption of electrical appliances. It was not possible to resolve a technical disagreement and this is to be considered further.