HC Deb 30 April 1996 vol 276 cc425-6W
27. Mr. Alan W. Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on improvement in energy efficiency in the domestic, industrial and transport sectors of the economy since 1970. [25699]

Mr. Robert B. Jones

My Department actively promotes energy efficiency through a wide range of initiatives across all sectors, including information and advice, voluntary schemes, and selective use of grants, incentives and regulation. My Department's recent publication, "Sustainable Development Indicators", shows that primary energy consumption in the UK has remained fairly constant since 1970, despite the 60 per cent. rise in gross domestic product. The UK expects carbon dioxide emissions to be 4 to 8 per cent. below 1990 levels by the year 2000.