§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what role his Department now has in promoting energy conservation and efficiency in Wales.
§ Mr. David HuntMy Department (Welsh Office) will continue to promote energy efficiency in all sectors of the economy. This is outlined in the "Energy Plan for Wales for the 1990s" (copy attached), which I launched in December last year.
The energy used in Wales, when transport is included, currently costs some 2 billion per year. It is thus one of the biggest elements in the economy and we have to use all forms of energy more efficiently—this is not only to save money; to improve competitiveness and to conserve finite resources but also to help the environment by helping to reduce the "greenhouse effect". It is estimated that savings in excess of 20 per cent. per year are not only possible but realistically achievable using well known techniques and this in turn will help to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide by over 2 million tonnes per annum.
Promotion of the more efficient use of energy is achieved by the Energy Efficiency Office (EEO) advising local industry, commerce and local authorities and through involvement with the local energy mangagement groups. The EEO will also disseminate literature, visit and advise companies, suggest sources of expert advice and will assist in organising seminars.
Following the general election, the policy lead in Government for energy efficiency now resides with the Secretary of State for the Environment and the Energy Efficiency Office is now part of the environment protection group.
I have every confidence that action arising from this reorganisation will play an important part in promoting the more effective use of energy and thereby reducing costs and at the same time helping the environment.