HC Deb 20 December 1990 vol 183 cc314-5W
Mr. Cartwright

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to encourage the use of low-energy light bulbs in his Department's offices and other buildings.

Mr. Jack

A programme to replace tungsten lighting with compact fluorescent, low-energy lighting was initiated in 1989. Over 98 per cent. of the lighting used in the Department's buildings is of the fluorescent luminaire type. The Department is also committed to an intra-Government initiative seeking to reduce energy consumption on the civil estate by 15 per cent. over five years.

A demonstration project using high-frequency, low energy fluorescent luminaires with ultra-sonic controls is being developed in the Leicester Yeoman St. district office. If this is successful, all new buildings and major refurbishments will normally use this type of lighting.