§ Mr. DevaTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures he is taking to encourage the efficient use of energy.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Department of the Environment's Energy Efficiency Office budget has been increased to more than £100 million for 1994–95, over 17 times the level of expenditure in 1979–80. It runs a comprehensive range of programmes and initiatives to encourage the efficient use of energy. In addition, the Department is taking a variety of initiatives with regard to publicly owned housing and, as set out in the answer given on 19 January to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Morris) by my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Mr. Baldry)Official Report, columns 671–72, is considering proposals to strengthen the energy efficiency requirements of the Building Regulations. The Department's programmes, and their contribution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and protecting the environment generally, are set out in the United Kingdom's report under the framework covention on climate change and in the United Kingdom's strategy for sustainable development, both of which ere launched by the Prime Minister on 25 January 1994.