§ Mr. Harry BarnesTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on the current effectiveness of his Department's Energy Efficiency Office; and whether he has any plans to change or extend its role.
§ Mr. BaldryThe Energy Efficiency Office continues to offer a range of effective programmes designed to encourage the adoption of cost-effective energy efficiency measures. Since 1983, the EEO's programmes have led to continuing energy savings now worth over £500 million per year, and greatly increased public awareness of the value of energy efficiency.
The White Paper on the Environment "This Common Inheritance"—Cm. 1200—announced a number of new EEO initiatives under which it would be developing proposals for a new scheme of project management assistance for implementation of energy efficiency projects; considering with the lighting industry a promotional drive on high efficiency lighting; pursuing appliance labelling and minimum standards with our own appliance industry and in the EC.
The EEO will also be introducing the home energy efficiency scheme in the new year. This will offer grants towards the cost of basic energy efficiency measures in low-income households.
The new ministerial committee on energy efficiency, chaired by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy, will maintain the momentum for energy efficiency improvements, monitor the Government's energy efficiency programmes and assess the need for further action.