HC Deb 07 November 2002 vol 392 cc702-3W
Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what Energy Efficiency Index targets have been set for the United Kingdom cold sector as part of the market transformation programme; and what role has been played by the Department in(a) setting and (b) meeting the targets. [77556]

Mr. Meacher

The Market Transformation Programme (MTP) does not itself set targets, but operating largely in the public domain, seeks to establish and maintain an informed consensus on the risks, potential and scope for achieving sustainable beneficial market changes over time (e.g. increased volume sales of energy efficient appliances or elimination of inefficient products by specified dates) and, in parallel, on the detailed policy measures and other actions necessary to achieve those changes, taking into account underlying trends, timing and wider issues. In that regard, my Department both sponsors and participates in MTP's open consultations on feasible market transformation targets and it seeks to negotiate integrated programmes of policy measures to meet them. These include, for example, EU directives to label and to set minimum standards for domestic refrigeration, voluntary agreements with industry on improvement targets, public domain product procurement information, the promotional programmes supported by the Energy Saving Trust and the Carbon Trust, including the Energy Efficiency Recommended scheme, the Energy Efficiency Commitment and Enhanced Capital Allowances.

Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what(a) discussions she has had, (b) representations she has received and (c) meetings she has attended in relation to energy efficiency improvements by the cold sector. [77558]

Mr. Meacher

The Department has on-going dialogue with business and other stakeholders on the potential for energy savings in the cold sector and on the practical strategies and policy measures that could help deliver these. In particular, discussions have taken place and representations received from business, enforcement agencies and other EU member states under the aegis of the Energy Efficiency Partnership, the Market Transformation programme, and in response to formal consultations on such matters as EU mandatory energy labelling and voluntary industry agreements. Recently, my officials have attended meetings held by the Energy Saving Trust, the Market Transformation Programme, and by the European Commission.