Mr. Robert AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the current level of funding for the Energy Savings Trust; and what is the projected funding for each year up to 2000. [8024]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesLast autumn my right hon. Friend confirmed the Government's plan to provide £25 million for the Energy Saving Trust in 1996–97. He intends to provide £15 million in 1997–98 and £10 million in 1998–99, reflecting his intention that the trust should increasingly work with the market and lever in private finance. In the current financial year, the Government expect to provide £446,000 towards the trust's running costs and around £2 million via the trust to support the local energy advice centre pilot study.
These funding arrangements reflect the trust's role as a catalyst, stimulating investment in energy efficiency and the development of self-sustaining markets for energy efficient goods and services.
I understand that the trust oversaw total expenditure of £21.5 million between 1993 and 1995 and expects to expand its operations in future years.