HC Deb 19 February 1993 vol 219 cc373-4W
Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the Energy Saving Trust to commence its work.

Mr. Maclean

The Energy Saving Trust is an independent body and its operation is a matter for its chairman and board of directors. I understand that the chairman will be writing to the hon. Member.

Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects OFGAS to approve the initial pilot schemes which are to be supported by the Government's Energy Saving Trust; what they will be; by whom they will be operated; and when they will be launched.

Mr. Maclean

This is a matter between British Gas, which has proposed three pilot schemes designed to encourage the efficient use of gas, and OFGAS, which has been asked to authorise the expenditure.

Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to make a financial contribution towards the work of the new Energy Saving Trust; and what this will cover.

Mr. Maclean

My Department has already made a considerable contribution in kind, in the form of staff effort and time, towards the establishment of the trust. It has also provided the trust with a member of staff on secondment for two years.

The Energy Efficiency Office is also assisting the trust with the development and funding of a proposed pilot scheme of local information centres which will provide domestic and small business consumers with independent advice on energy efficiency. Planned expenditure on this scheme by the EEO is £1.8 million in 1993–94 and £2 million in each of 1994–95 and 1995–96.