§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made towards cutting energy consumption in Government buildings for which he has responsibility in each year since 1990. [1442]
§ Mr. BoswellFor the Department's performance for the years 1990–91 to 1993–94, I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given on 17 May 1995,Official Report, 241W column 260. In 1994–95 MAFF's energy costs per square metre for the main estate rose by 3 per cent. above the 1990–91 base year figure, compared with an increase of 5 per cent. in 1993–94. Energy costs for laboratories increased by 29 per cent. and those for the depots decreased by 26 per cent. from the base year figures.
Under the returns for Government's energy campaign, the Department cannot discount the IT equipment that has been installed throughout MAFF since 1990–91; or the new research buildings—which are high energy users—required to meet statutory requirements at our laboratories, replacing rudimentary predecessors; or the growth in business activities.
The Department continues to take steps aimed at reducing energy consumption through the investment of energy schemes and the promotion of awareness campaigns for staff.