asked the Secretary of State for Energy whether he plans to hold a national energy management conference in 1987.

I have today announced that following the tremendous success of the national energy management conference and exhibition in 1986, we have decided to organise a major international exhibition and conference at the national exhibition centre in Birmingham on 28–30 June 1988. This will be the largest event of this nature ever planned in this country and will afford an excellent opportunity to exchange expertise in energy efficiency with other countries. The conference will include top level international speakers and we will aim to attract delegates from throughout the world. The exhibition will provide a major new platform for British Industry, enabling our companies to put their world-leading energy efficiency products and services before an international audience.During 1987 there will be an extensive programme of regional energy conferences and exhibitions. We will ensure that the message of energy efficiency reaches every corner of this country in 1987 as in 1986, and build on this programme for the major new event—Energy Efficiency International—in 1988.