asked the Secretary of State for Energy what consideration his Department has given to the introduction of a scheme for labelling domestic appliances with their fuel consumption: and what progress has been made.

The labelling of domestic appliances to indicate their energy consumption is one of a number of possible energy-saving measures under consideration by the Department. In the EEC discussions are in progress on two draft directives, one setting out general rules on energy labels, one making specific provisions for the labelling of electric ovens. Consumer and trade organisations have been approached for their views and the Select Committee on European Legislation has recommended that the draft directives should be debated in the House.