§ 28. Mr. SpellerTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what measures he is taking, and what further measures he proposes, to reduce energy consumption and to promote energy efficiency.
§ 30. Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to publish proposals to encourage energy efficiency and conservation.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe energy efficiency office will be targeting its activities on key areas of energy use and offering advice backed by technical support. In particular it will be emphasising the work of regional energy efficiency officers at the local level. The EEO will also be offering a new best practice programme which will give industrial and commercial consumers authoritative and independent advice on how efficiently they use energy and how they can improve to match the best in their sector. In addition the Secretary of State for Energy is leading a campaign to increase the efficiency of energy use in the public sector.
In the domestic sector the Government continue to help pensioners and low-income households through the community insulation programme and the homes insulation scheme.
Further measures to encourage energy efficiency are included in the Electricity Bill. The Secretary of State and the Director General of Electricity Supply will have a duty to promote energy efficiency and economy on the part of licensed electricity suppliers who will be required to provide guidance on the efficient use of electricity.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy what proposals he has for energy conservation arising from the Downing street seminar on 26 April.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonI have described the new approach of the energy efficiency office in my replies to the hon. Member for Truro (Mr. Taylor) on 30 January at column13, and my hon. Friend the Member for Poole (Mr. Ward) on 7 March at column 480.