§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he proposes to take concerning the administrative expenses of the Energy Saving Trust.
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State proposes to lay before Parliament an 515W order designating the Energy Saving Trust under section 153 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This will provide a statutory basis, subject to parliamentary approval of an appropriate estimate, for the Government to contribute to the running costs of the trust.
In the Government's view, the trust has a key role in future as an effective catalyst for change in a policy area which is important for progress on our economic, climate change and sustainable development objectives. The trust has had a difficult and uncertain year. It now needs to review its plans. It can do that only with a measure of certainty over funding. The trust must maintain its independence, but it is important that it is able to develop new and innovative ideas at a time of major change in the gas and electricity industries.
I envisage contributing to the trust's administrative and salary costs if the trust can put forward satisfactory and cost-effective proposals to develop new initiatives to promote energy efficiency in the rapidly changing energy markets. Once the trust has drawn up proposals, my officials will discuss the plans with the trust and its other members. This will provide a basis for deciding on an appropriate contribution from Government, taking into account other contributions.