§ Dr. SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to promote the reduction of energy consumption of domestic appliances; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanMy Department encourages consumers to purchase energy-efficient appliances through information and advice campaigns such as "Helping the Earth Begins at Home". In collaboration with the regional electricity companies, the Energy Efficiency Office within my Department operates a voluntary labelling scheme for household refrigerators and freezers to show their relative energy efficiency on a scale from 1—least efficient—to 10—most efficient.
The Government strongly support the development by the European Commission of measures to improve the energy efficiency of traded goods including domestic appliances. A framework directive for the mandatory energy labelling of domestic appliances was adopted in September 1992 and delegated to the Commission the responsibility to prepare and adopt detailed application directives for specific appliances. The first such directive, for refrigerators and freezers, is expected to be adopted by the Commission in the next two months.
We will support the proposed development and adoption by the Commission of a directive setting minimum energy efficiency standards in Europe for household refrigerators and freezers; and are in favour of the extension of such requirements to other domestic appliances provided that it is clear that market forces or voluntary measures will not produce the desired result and that other member states agree that this is the best way forward.