Written question asked by Lord Barker of Battle (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 April 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 April 2006. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 April 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Energy Efficiency

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department is taking to ensure European governments promote energy efficiency in domestic appliances.

Answer: [holding answer 24 April 2006]: The Government are fully committed to raising product standards and encouraging consumers to use the most energy efficient domestic appliances. Progress is being made by a combination of policy measures including product information (energy labels), minimum standards, and the promotion of best practice. These are taken forward by the Market Transformation Programme (MTP).The UK continues to work closely with the European Commission to influence and speed up the delivery of both mandatory and voluntary measures under the recently agreed Eco-Design for Energy Using Products (EUP) Framework Directive. We are encouraging the Commission to bring forward formal proposals for revising the EU Energy labelling Scheme, and we are supporting the work of the Energy Saving Trust in promoting efficient domestic appliances.As President of both the EU and the G8 in 2005, the UK together with the European Commission hosted an International Energy Efficiency Conference (2 to 3 November 2005) to deliver a roadmap for global energy efficiency improvements. Details of the conference aims and outcomes can be viewed at:"http://host5.oliveserver.co.uk/df/ee/conferenceobjectives.aspx"We will also host the 2006 Energy Efficiency in Domestic Appliances and Lighting Conference (EEDAL 06) to advance international co-operation and new initiatives on energy efficient domestic appliances. Further details can be found at:"http://www.livegroup.co.uk/EEDAL"

Secondary information