Mr. Andy StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement about the meeting of the Energy Council of the European Community Ministers on 29 October.
§ Mr. WakehamThe Council, which was attended by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy, my hon. Friend the Member for Wells (Mr. Heathcoat-Amory), adopted the SAVE decision, which provides for improved co-ordination of work on promoting energy efficiency in the Community. A draft directive to harmonise energy efficiency requirements for new gas or liquid fired central heating boilers was agreed in principle; the United Kingdom secured the inclusion of cost-effective standards appropriate to the particular circumstances of its domestic heating market.
The Commission explained the approach it proposed to take towards opening up, and increasing competition in, the gas and electricity markets. The Commission's objectives are supported in principle by the United Kingdom, which is in the lead on progress towards liberalising these markets. No decision was reached by the Council, but the way was paved for the Commission to enter into bilateral discussions with the member states.
The Commission was invited to present revised proposals on oil crisis measures and to adjust its mandate for Community accession to the International Energy Agency.
The Council held a detailed discussion on the Commission's communication on energy and the environment. There was widespread scepticism about unilateral Community action and most member states raised serious practical difficulties which remain to be addressed in connection with a carbon-energy tax.
The Commission presented a report on the progress of the European Energy Charter for the creation of market-based energy co-operation in western, central and eastern Europe, the USSR and beyond.