HC Deb 23 July 1990 vol 177 cc113-4W
33. Mr. Waller

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how much was spent on the promotion of energy efficiency(a) in 1979 and (b) in 1989; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Expenditure by my Department on energy efficiency programmes in 1979–80 was £2.4 million. The provision for expenditure by the Energy Efficiency Office in 1989–90 was £15 million.

40. Mr. Squire

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what further steps he is considering to increase energy efficiency.

Mr. Peter Morrison

We are preparing a new scheme to provide grants for basic insulation measures in low-income households. In addition, we have received the report on the efficiency of electrical appliances which was commissioned by the Energy Efficiency Office and are considering the need for further action in this area.

In a further initiative I am currently undertaking a series of regional events at which I am promoting the benefits of energy efficiency to top decision-makers in industry and commerce. The Government's energy efficiency programmes and the need for further initiatives will be discussed in the White Paper on the environment to be published this autumn.

Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will estimate the number of domestic energy consumers to have received an energy efficiency improvement grant(a) currently and (b) in 1978; what were the costs involved; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Morrison

From September 1978 grants were available under the homes insulation scheme. In the period September to December 1978, grants were paid in respect of 94,400 dwellings in Great Britain at a cost of £3.8 million. In the period January 1979 to December 1989 grants were paid under that scheme in respect of 3.598,200 dwellings in Great Britain at a cost of £237.6 million. Additionally, it is estimated that nearly 700,000 homes were draughtproofed by community insulation projects operating under the Government's employment and training programmes from when they first commenced work in 1982 through to the end of 1989.

71. Mr. Cummings

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met Neighbourhood Energy Action and other bodies concerned with community insulation programmes regarding the home energy efficiency scheme.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for energy when he last met Neighbourhood Energy Action to discuss the home energy efficiency scheme.

Mr. Peter Morrison

I last met the director of Neighbourhood Energy Action to discuss the scheme on 21 June, and have since met representatives from a number of trade associations.

67. Mr. Cousins

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he next expects to meet Neighbourhood Energy Action to discuss the home energy efficiency scheme.

Mr. McAvoy

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he expects to meet Neighbourhood Energy Action and others regarding progress on the home energy efficiency scheme.

Mr. Peter Morrison

I refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Ogmore (Mr. Powell) earlier today.